Catch 22

It has been said that, "Only the curious will learn and only the resolute overcome the obstacles to learning." Unfortunately, this sentiment is often reduced to, "only the WEALTHY will learn," and those obstacles? Ever-increasing tuitions and fees.

In what can best be described as a catch-22, the path that most of us are told will lead to a satisfying and lucrative career is a college education and a degree from a US-accredited university; however, the only way most people can afford a college education and degree is if they have a high paying job! For this reason, many people without the means or time to earn a "traditional" degree are forced out of higher education altogether, which means that the best jobs are usually going to the people who have had the most money to start with. See? Catch-22.

Now, with the advent of the Internet, a whole new world has opened up to millions of people, all over the world, who until now had been unable to afford either the monetary or time investment needed to obtain a Traditional degree. For a much-reduced fee, these potential students are being offered the opportunity to earn the degrees and certifications they had never thought possible on their own schedules. Some of these Online schools even offer credits and degrees for Life Experience - you can actually earn a degree based on your job, previous courses, volunteer work, or other qualifying experiences.

This seems like a major advancement in education, right? Finally, people with actual, real-world knowledge, or people with ambition and drive but a lack of funds or time, will be able to earn the same degrees as their more affluent counterparts. It would seem that this would be a revolutionary step in equalizing education and improving the work force - but to many, including our own government, this is not the case.

Recently, instead of working with these Online programs to ensure that everyone who is seeking a degree is able to afford it, Traditional Universities and Colleges, along with the government, are working in the opposite direction, throwing harsh and false accusations out about these programs without doing any research. The reason? Money.

Problem is, the Traditional Colleges, along with the government, are LOSING MONEY to all Online Universities, good and bad, so in order to keep the tuition coming their way, they lump everyone together. They are trying to create an image for these Internet schools that will scare away potential students.

This is unfair and unethical. Why should only a select group of people - those with the time and resources to attend a Traditional College or University - be allowed access to the best education and degrees, not to mention the career opportunities that accompany them? The answer is greed. By not believing the false reports and exaggerations put out by those who are afraid they might be losing their profits, we can combat that greed and lead the revolution for affordable ONLINE education for all with the curiosity and perseverance to seek it.

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