Busted! Top Five Excuses Keeping You from a College Degree

Too busy? Not interested? A little intimidated? You've got plenty of excuses for not going back to school. If you break down the reasons, however, you'd be surprised at how much sense college degrees can make.

Take a look at the top five excuses keeping you from school, plus a few popular online associate's degrees that could get you back in the classroom in no time.

Excuse #1: You're too busy for a college degree.

Maybe you have a full-time job or full-time family commitments. What's one more thing on the to-do list? In the end, you'll find that getting an education might not require too much extra time. An online degree allows you to log on whenever you have free time, letting you set your own pace. What if you put that nightly hour of television towards studying? You'd have one less excuse.

• Spotlight: Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice: Private investigators earned mean annual wages of $46,480 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). How do you get there? The BLS recommends training in criminal justice to learn the legal details of this fascinating career.

Excuse #2: Online education sounds too hard.

Logging on, posting assignments, participating in discussions... if you're not computer savvy, it could sound difficult at first. On the bright side, online schools typically include orientation periods and tech support to keep you from feeling lost. Once you get used to the format, you may even find online learning more engaging than the traditional classroom.

• Spotlight: Associate's Degree in Graphic Design: Earning your online associate's degree in graphic design is a practical way to get started in this high-tech yet artistic career. The BLS reports that graphic designers earned mean annual wages of $46,750 in 2008; not bad for an associate's degree.

Excuse #3: You won't find a degree that interests you.

Looking for specific technical training? Online degrees are available in fields ranging from paralegal studies to medical assisting. You can earn an online associate's degree in everything from accounting to Web design. If you're not sure what you want, go for a general business or communication degree, and find out your true strengths.

• Spotlight: Associate's Degree in Accounting: Check out these financial figures: accounting clerks earned mean annual wages of $33,800 in 2008, according to the BLS. An associate's degree in accounting gives you practical training you can use to work your way into the accounting field.

Excuse #4: You don't need a college degree.

In today's employment climate, education matters. The Obama administration made the importance clear when it recently introduced $12 billion plan to produce 5 million new community college graduates by the year 2020. When you complete a degree, even an associate's degree, you're joining an educated workforce.

Excuse #5: A degree takes too much time to finish.

How much time is too much? When you're considering a career future with higher earnings and more job satisfaction, a two-year associate's degree seems to pale in comparison. Many great jobs are possible with only an associate's degree, meaning you could be a college graduate sooner than you might think.

Earning College Degrees Online

Your career's future could depend on the few short years you spend in school. Whether your career path demands a degree or you're hoping to start your own business, you may need a degree to succeed and thrive within your chosen industry. What are you waiting for?

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