Best Online Colleges In Mississippi Of 2024 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Consider Your Future Goals

Having goals for the future can help you decide which Mississippi online college might be the best fit for you.

If you plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, look for programs that offer internship opportunities or similar experiences throughout your studies. Gaining practical, hands-on experience in your field of interest can make you a compelling candidate during your job search.

If you hope to attend graduate school after earning your bachelor’s degree, find out if your prospective institution offers master’s or doctorate degree programs in your field. Some schools offer accelerated, five-year bachelor’s to master’s programs.

No matter what your plans are, be sure your prospective school holds accreditation. Most employers and graduate schools only consider diplomas from accredited institutions as valid.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for the online schools in this guide range from $7,866 to $28,375 per year. In comparison, attending a traditional four-year school in the U.S. costs an average of $17,709 in tuition and fees during the 2022–23 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Financial aid is available to help fund your undergraduate education. Filing a FAFSA® can connect you to federal financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants and loans.

Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit or financial need and don’t need to be repaid. Grants are also awarded based on financial need and are often provided through state or local governments; there is no payback required. If you take out student loans from the government or a private lender, however, you’ll be required to pay those back. They also accrue interest over time. Taking out a loan should be your last resort, so be sure to explore all your financial aid options before applying for a loan.

You might also qualify for work-study, a federal program that provides students with part-time job opportunities to help fund their education.