Am interested in but confused by online degree programs. Is there a Consumer Reports type site that can help?

I am doing the Associate in Paralegal studies through Virginia College Online. They are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools Which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Virginia College Online is offered through an actual on campus college, Virginia College at Birmingham in Alabama.

This means They have a federal school code and through them you are eligible for student aid through FAFSA.

It is costing roughly $11,000/yr including books, fees, and tuition. The program is 96 hours and they charge $325/credit hour.

Whichever school you choose, research their accreditation through CHEA and the USDE (links below.) You can also check their reputation through the Better Business Bureau.

Congratulations on deciding to further your education. I would suggest that you go to www.ripoffreport.com. This site can give you information on what other students say about online colleges they've went to. They can also give you links about accrediation status and so forth. Just go to the search menu and punch in whatever college you want information on (ie. Pheonix, CTU, FMU, etc.)

Currently I'm a student at Ashford University and it's a wonderful college. I hope that you find the school that's best suited for your educational goals.

Miranda

I'm currently enrolled in semester one of the Computer Information Management program at Ashworth College and have absolutely no complaints. The lessons are informative as well as educational and the exams stimulate the brain. Overall, I am quite pleased and look forward to moving along to semester two.

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

"GetEducated.com" is a great place to begin. It lists distance education resources for a variety of majors, as well as information on how to avoid scams and diploma mills.