While many online schools do not require physical textbooks, others still use traditional hardcover and paper-paged books! Why is this important to remember? Textbooks are considered to be a “hidden cost” as most students, and parents, when saving for college do not budget for the hundreds to thousands they will spend on college textbooks.

Recently, Concordia University graduated its largest class in the school’s hundred year history. Of the 469 graduating students, 44 graduates received their Master’s from Concordia’s fully online M. Ed. program. While Concordia University’s online education program is relatively new, both students and faculty are pleased with its success and the university hopes to continue its upward growth.

Whether or not to get an MBA can sometimes be a tough decision for a number of reasons. Maybe it’s too costly, or you do not have enough time to commit to an MBA program. Whatever your reason for hesitation, there are some common situations where an MBA could prove useful.

As a service of Edvisors, the Financial Aid News publishing team wishes all a Happy New Year in their January edition of the Financial Aid Newsletter by reviewing accomplishments in 2010 and giving tips to get ahead in 2011.

Bill Gates thinks something is going to die too.

No, it’s not physical books like Nicholas Negroponte — instead, Gates thinks the idea of young adults having to go to universities in order to get an education is going to go away relatively soon. Well, provided they’re self-motivated learners.

IN shaky economic times, going back to school needs to be treated like any other investment: you need to weigh the potential returns while closely managing the costs.

So before you enroll in a program, you should ask the same sorts of questions that a portfolio manager might ask when analyzing conventional investments, like stocks: Am I buying a reputable credential? What is demand like in the field I’m interested in? What is the earnings potential? What are the long-term prospects? And how can I minimize my expenses?

With a national unemployment rate of 9.5%, there are a lot of people on the hunt for new jobs. Many employers have finally started hiring again after the economic downturn, but those who have been out of the job search game for a while are finding themselves unqualified, or in need of further education. Between job searching and family commitments, it can be difficult for many unemployed people to find the time and money to go back to school. Online education is a great option for people in this position.

In today’s competitive working environment a four-year bachelor’s degree is not always enough to make it to the top. Most employers want to see their employees keep up with changing technologies, track industry updates and learn new ways increase efficiency in the workplace.

Though Veterans are eligible for up to $49,000 through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, it is hard for many to fit pursuing a degree into their schedule. Luckily, many online schools accept GI Bill benefits.

One way to better oneself professionally is to enroll in an online certificate program. Online certificate programs are usually used to hone in on a particular skill.