regis-university-cps-e-book-new-student-guide

1 To learn more, call 800.944.7667 or visit Regis.edu/CPS

The decision to go back to school can be daunting. An adult considering a return to college is juggling multiple responsibilities and must consider carefully how this decision will impact career decisions, family time and personal obligations.

How much will school cost? How long will it take to complete a degree? How much time and money can be saved with past college credits and work experience? How much time away from work, family and social responsibilities will be needed for college classes and school work? With so many options to choose from, how does someone pick a school, a program, a degree path?

This Path to College is the first in Regis Universitys Working Answers series designed to help adults navigate the complex and prolific world of higher education.

The PaTh to College

For adults Returning to School

PaVINg YoUR oWN PaTh To College

The world of education is in the midst of transformation. In 2005 the U.S. Department of Education reported that adult enrollments in higher education nationally were projected to grow by almost two million students between 2000 and 2014. Universities paid attention and those that werent already offering adult education began exploring how to meet this demand.

This is good news for the adult student. Universities with a long tradition of educational excellence are now designing programs specifically for adult students, taking into account that they are returning to school in the midst of living a busy life overflowing with responsibilities and obligations. Professional experience is valued and leveraged, formats are flexible and accelerated and the online classroom is better than ever.

With all the options available, selecting a program that is a good fit can feel as overwhelming as the decision to go back to school in the first place. But it doesnt have to be. Here are some steps you can take to make sure youre setting yourself up for success.

Selecting a Program of Study

What sort of career path are you looking for? Are you hoping to move up within your current field or are you looking for a career switch? By researching the job you think you want, whether its in your current field or an entirely new industry, you can begin to understand what type of education youll need, how much the job pays, and even what kind of schedule you can expect to work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/) is a great online tool that can help you research jobs. Use this website to look up jobs by industry or by specific job title and learn about the projected growth as well as the income potential and educational requirements needed. Narrow your search down to three or four desirable positions that you can investigate further.

Do some real market research about positions youve narrowed down. Look for openings in your area using job search websites such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com, SimplyHired.com, and LinkedIn.com. This will help you understand what hiring companies in your area are looking for, including education, skills and experience requirements. Some will include the salary for that position, providing insight into your income potential.

By now you should begin to have a good idea about what program of study you will need to accomplish your goals. Now you can identify the schools that offer that offer those programs of study and begin the school selection process.


TIP: There are hundreds of ways to name a program. If a school doesnt offer the program you are looking for, do they have something similar? For example:

Entrepreneurship B.S. in Business MBA in Strategic Management

Graduate Computer Science Degree

No code writing M.S. Information Technology Management Degree

Code writing M.S. in Systems Engineeringor Software Engineering

International Business Emerging Markets (if Spanish speaking) Business degree with a Flexible Specialization

Management Bachelor of Arts in Organization Development B.S. in Business with a management specialization

Graduate Human Resources M.S. in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Management and Leadership

Public Administration Master of Nonprofit Management Master of Arts with a specialization in social

and global issues

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Selecting a SchoolUniversity accreditation is important. Accreditation is an external review process to ensure educational institutions are meeting standards for quality education and services. It may also be a requisition for the career you seek, so its important to confirm which university offers your desired accreditation.

The six regional accreditation agencies are:

Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Higher Education)

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (Commission on Technical and Career Institutions and Commission on Institutions of Higher Education)

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (The Higher Learning Commission)

Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Colleges)

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities)

NaTIoNal VS. RegIoNalaCCRedITaTIoN

______________________________________________________Some schools have national accreditation. Unlike regional accreditation, national accreditation isnt based on a schools location but the type of school. Traditionally, this has included technical, career and online schools. Because of the specialized nature of the degree earned and the curriculum at these institutions, it is hard to compare with traditional degree programs. Regionally-accredited schools often do not accept credit from nationally-accredited schools; however, nationally-accredited schools will accept credits from schools that are regionally or nationally accredited. For example, if you have a bachelors degree that is nationally accredited, a regionally-accredited institution may not recognize your credits for transfer or application.

3To learn more, call 800.944.7667 or visit Regis.edu/CPS

kimowensSticky NoteREALLY like the map!! :D

Comparing Schools

Using a table like the one here could help you compare schools.


BeNeFITS University 1 University 2 University 3

Program of study

delivery (online , in person, both)

accrediting body (in good standing?)

Tuition and fees

Number of allowable transfer credits

Testing for experience? (CleP, dSST, etc.)

duration of program (are classes offered in accelerated options?)

PaYINg FoR SChool

Solid data-driven evidence shows going back to school to complete a bachelors or masters degree results in a positive investment in ones career and overall personal development.

There are numerous options available to you that can reduce the time needed to complete your degree and assist in the tuition investment you pay.

Remember: university enrollment counselors are available to guide you through this process and answer your questions along the way.

1. Earn credit for experience. Cash in on your real-life experience and knowledge. Many colleges and universities allow experienced students to trade in their career experience and other skills for college credits through prior learning assessments. You also can save money and earn college credits by passing inexpensive College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST tests.

2. Maximize any past college experience or military training. If you have attended college in the past, find out if those credits can transfer in. Also, some schools offer credit for military training. Leveraging all of your past experiences can help cut down on the number of classes youll have to pay for and attend.

3. Apply for financial aid. Dont assume you make too much money at this stage of your life to qualify for financial assistance. Scholarships are also available for adult students. Its important to note the deadlines for financial aid and apply as early as possible. Fastweb.com is an online scholarship-matching service with a database of over 1.5 million scholarships. You simply enter in your information, and Fastweb searches its database for scholarships that you may qualify for.

4. Plan ahead and set up a 529 plan. A 529 plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. Parents, aunts, brothers and sisters can contribute to their adult relatives college savings account. Ask for funding for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.

5. Ask for tuition assistance from your employer. Many employers will cover at least some portion of their workers educational costs and up to $5,250 of the tuition assistance money you get is tax-free.

6. Pursue higher education wherever you can. Do you work for a large company that offers a Corporate U or a similar workforce training program? Many of these classes are accredited by the American Council on Education (ACE) and could later translate as college credit at some universities.

7. Be cautious of tuition versus fees. Some universities may lead with low cost tuition, but will add on numerous fees, driving up the total cost of tuition. Other schools may have higher tuition, but will accept more of your transfer credits or perhaps offer more scholarships. Look at the full picture when calculating your costs; including how many credits you can transfer in, what type of testing is available for life experience, and any fees that may not be included in tuition costs.

$39,094$43,804

$53,705$56,671 Source:

Report on Initial Earnings

-

Colorado Department

of Higher Education

School of Mines

Regis University

CU - D

enver

University of D

enver

Metro State

CU - Boulder

CSU - Pueblo

CU - Colorado Spr

Colo Mesa U

nivers

CSUColo Christian


The Theory of Margin

The Theory of Margin can be a helpful tool. Howard Y. McClusky introduced the Theory of Margin in 1959 as a way to explain the need to balance the stresses and demands (load) on a person with his or her coping resources (power).

By load, we mean the demands made on a person by self and society. By power, we mean the resources, i.e. abilities, possessions, position, allies, etc., which a person can command in coping with load. Margin may be decreased by increasing load and/or reducing power. We can control both by modifying either our power or load. When our load continually matches or exceeds our power and if both are fixed and/or out of control or irreversible, the situation becomes difficult to sustain. If, however, load and power can be controlled, and better yet, if a person is able to lay hold of a reserve (margin) of power, he/she is better equipped to meet unforeseen emergencies, is better positioned to take risks, can engage in exploratory, creative activities, and is more likely to learn, etc., i.e. do those things that enable him/her to live above a plateau of mere self-subsistence (p. 83).

The Theory of Margin can be used as a tool to evaluate many scenarios in life, including the decision to go back to school. There will be times when you have no margin and times when you are running a deficit. With any luck, you will also have times in your life when things slow down and you have some margin. Many people found themselves with a lot of margin when they lost jobs after the recession of 2007. Also, those who have found themselves under-employed may have more margin than they are used to as well. Identifying your margin is the first step in creating some extra space in your life for school.

Once youve thought about and identified your margin, what adjustments can you make to increase your power (resources) and/or decrease your load? For some people this may mean getting help with the kids one night a week. Someone else might enlist the help of their spouse in picking up some extra chores on the weekends. Each persons situation is going to be unique.

McClusky, H. Y. (1970a). An approach to a differential psychology of adult potential. In S .M. Grabowski (Ed.), Adult Learning & Instruction (pp. 80-95). Syracuse: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Education and Adult Education Association of the USA.

FINdINg The TIMe aNd MakINg IT WoRk

Once you have completed your research and made a decision about which school is going to be the best choice, the question becomes how to make it happen. As an adult with numerous responsibilities, finding the time to go back to school can be tricky. But dont give up and remember that thousands of adults go back to school every year and make it work.

The key is figuring out how to rearrange the life you have so that you can get the life you want.

oTheR CoNSIdeRaTIoNS

The Big Picture and the Not-So-Small details

The financial investment is only one consideration when making a decision to get your degree. For adults with full-time jobs, families and social responsibilities, its not just about understanding why college is a worthy choice. Its also about figuring out how furthering your education will weave into your current life.

Remember that success is a family effort. Dont be afraid to reach out to your family and friends about the idea of going back to school. Have conversations about how important it is to you and discuss what going back to school might look like. Your friends and family can be your biggest advocates and might have ideas that you havent thought of.

Get the education you deserve. The world of higher education has changed and most well respected universities offer some level of degree programs that cater to adult learners. In these programs, adult students can receive the same caliber of education the university is known for, in accelerated formats that fit their busy schedules. These programs will be attended by other working adults like you who are balancing work, life and school.

Most importantly, dont underestimate yourself. Youve worked hard to be where youre at today, and along the way youve overcome numerous barriers. You have the experience and know-how to get things done, and youve already proven to yourself that you can see things through.

Now, apply those skills and that knowledge to going back to school and create the future you want.

aPPlY TodaY!enrollment Counselors are here to help you determine

your best path to college. 303.458.4300 | 800.967.3237 | Regis.edu

North denver (lowell) Campus 3333 Regis Blvd. Denver, CO 80221

loveland Campus 1605 Foxtrail Drive Loveland, CO 80538

denver Tech Center Campus 6380 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Colorado Springs Campus 7450 Campus Drive, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Thornton dual language Campus 500 E. 84th Ave. Thornton, CO 80229

CaMPUS loCaTIoNS

11.20.2013


Need a Photo of one of our aCs on the phone.

kimowensSticky Notedo we want - Regis.edu/CPS? - using a smaller font so it can fit?

a Path to CollegeThe Journey of Rebecca SmithRebecca Smith isnt a real person, but her story is true for many adults who decide to return to school. This is the story of someone who realized a college degree was the next step in their career advancement. This is the story of someone who mapped out their path to college and leveraged their workforce training and professional experience to get through school faster, and more affordably. This could be your story.

B.S. in Marketing, Regis Universitys College for Professional Studies, 2013

Market research $18,699 tuition cost, analyst at a local bank after scholarships and $60,570 annual salary* employer discounts

ReBeCCaS SToRY

Rebecca started working as a bank teller after high school and over the years worked her way up to assistant branch manager. She soon realized that in order to be promoted further, she would need a college degree.

Rebecca was already juggling a full-time job and raising a family, but she also knew that getting a degree would open doors for her. So, she enlisted the help of friends and family to support her and started taking classes at her local community college. Once she completed her core classes and some of the foundational classes needed for her bachelors degree, Rebecca transferred to Regis University. Because of the accelerated format, Rebecca was able to graduate with her bachelors degree two years later.**

Degree in hand, Rebecca applied for a higher paying job within her company and is now a market research analyst. In addition to making almost twice as much, Rebecca now has a sense of confidence and accomplishment that she never had before.

Cost

Tuition, 36 credit hours at Regis

$15,990

Tuition, 78 credit hours at Community College

$8,963

CLEP testing (credit for life experience), 9 credit hours

$345

American Council on Education (ACE) credits for workforce training, 6 credit hours

$0

Total cost $25,298

Minus scholarships ($5,000)

Minus employer discount ($1,599)

Final tuition cost for a bachelors degree from Regis University

$18,699

*Median earnings of a market research analyst according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013**Plan early with the help of a Regis University advisor for best results

Based on Colorado Community College Tuition

Cost Breakdown

With the help of a Regis

advisor who was involved

early in the process, Rebecca

was able to save over $37,000 in tuition costs.

Did you know that you can transfer up to98 credits towards your Regis degree?



a Closer look

CRedIT BY exaMWhen Rebecca was promoted to assistant manager, she received training through her employer that later translated to college credit. Then she received college credit by exam. This allowed her to complete her degree faster, and it was more affordable.

Credit through the American Council on Education (ACE) for the following classes:

Accounting I Accounting II

Total Credit Hours: 6 Total Cost for Rebecca: None

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests for the following classes:

BA 381: Legal Environment of Business EC 320: Principles of Microeconomics EC 330: Principles of Macroeconomics

Total Credit Hours: 9 Total Cost for Rebecca: $345

ClaSSeS TakeN aT CoMMUNITY College

Undergraduate Core and Foundational Classes Oral Communication . . . . . . .COM 115 (Public Speaking) English Comp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ENG 121 and ENG 122 Lit/Humanities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS 217 Global Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HUM 118 and HUM 200 Social Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HUM 115 and PSY 105 Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAT 120 Natural Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BIO 105 Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PHI 111 and PHI 112 Religious Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . .GEO 105 and PHI 114 Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAR 216 and MAR 240

Foundational to Marketing Major Classes Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAN 226 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS 226 + 7 elective classes (21 credit hours)

77 credit hours, 25 classes, $8,963 in community college tuition

ClaSSeS TakeN aT RegIS UNIVeRSITY

Leading Lives that Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HU 366 Business Systems in a Sustainable Society . BA 300 + 10 Upper Division Marketing Major Classes

36 credit hours, 12 classes, $15,990 in university tuition

FINaNCIal SNaPShoTTotal tuition for both institutions, and test fees $25,298

Community College Scholarship ($5,000)

Employer discount: 10% off Registuition through Alliance partnership

($1,599)

Total savings on tuition $6,599

Final total cost $18,699

Did you know?

Regis University

is the top

private transfer

destination

for Colorado

community

college students

transferring

to a four-year

university.Source: Colorado Department of Higher Education 2013 Transfer Report, fall 2010 to fall 2011

Please note: Each students specific situation is unique. This case study is meant to be an example of ways you can reduce the cost of your degree.

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