Once lost in the shadows of academia — and relatively unheard of only a decade ago — the best online teaching degrees, by value as well as enrollment, now dwarf their brick-and-mortar competition, outstripping even the largest state university teachers’ colleges.

Online teaching degrees and online teaching certificates are now very common because they provide you the opportunity to begin or enhance your teaching career while you’re still working. If, for example, you choose to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) with a Concentration in Elementary Teaching online, you can still work during the day – perhaps in a related job like an educational aide – and complete your online teaching degree when it’s convenient for you. Getting your teaching degree online can increase your job security as well; government statistics show that the unemployment rate for those with college degrees is around half of that for people who have no education beyond high school.

Types of Degrees
A teaching degree can lead to a rewarding career in education. Aspiring teachers who have an already-busy schedule many want to consider an online teaching degree. Some of the more common programs, and the careers that such programs feed into, include:

Associate of Arts (AA) in Elementary Education – You can earn your AA in Elementary Education with two years of full-time study. This degree typically qualifies you for entry-level positions as an educational assistant, but most of those who acquire it go on to study for their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in Secondary Education – Usually requiring four, but occasionally five years of full-time study, a BA in Secondary Education is the standard degree for middle and high school teachers.

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) – Requiring between one and two years of postgraduate study, an MLIS degree qualifies you to work as a professional librarian. Specific concentrations include academic librarianship, archiving, information architecture, public librarianship and school (K-12) librarianship.

Online Teaching Degrees
According to USA Today, which performed an analysis of Department of Education data finds that four big universities, operating mostly online, have quickly become the largest education schools in the USA. Last year the four — three of which are for-profit — awarded one in 16 bachelor’s degrees and post-graduate awards and nearly one in 11 advanced education awards, including master’s degrees and doctorates.

A decade ago, in 2001, the for-profit University of Phoenix awarded 72 education degrees to teachers, administrators and other school personnel through its online program, according to federal data. Last year, it awarded nearly 6,000 degrees, more than any other university. By contrast, Arizona State University, one of the USA’s largest traditional education schools, awarded 2,075 degrees, most of them on campus. Columbia University’s Teachers College awarded 1,345 degrees.

Traditional colleges still produce most of the bachelor’s degrees in teaching — ASU topped the list with 979 bachelor’s degrees in 2011. But online schools such as Phoenix and Walden University awarded thousands more master’s degrees than even the top traditional schools, all of which are pushing to offer online coursework. Every one of the top 10 now offers an online education credential.

The dean of the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education told USA Today that the move toward online degree programs is unsurprising. However, the dean said that he would be “interested in knowing is the degree to which they are simply pushing these things out in order to generate dollars or whether there’s some real innovation in there.”

Congress has subjected for-profit universities to intense scrutiny in Congress. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, last week released findings from a two-year investigation showing that they cost more than comparable not-for-profit schools and have higher dropout rates. For-profits, the investigation found, enroll about 10% of U.S. college students but account for nearly 50% of student loan defaults.

Schools that offer online teaching degrees, which tend to have open-enrollment policies that are similar to those of community colleges, say their offerings are high quality. Most of the top ones are accredited by the same organizations that certify traditional teacher education programs. And they stress that students don’t just sit around in their pajamas.
School by school

Department of Education data (2011) shows that the schools that awarded the highest total number of education degrees were:

1. University of Phoenix Online: 5,976
2. Walden University: 4,878
3. Grand Canyon University: 4,822
4. National University: 4,669
5. Nova Southeastern University: 2,347
6. Arizona State University: 2,075
7. Northern Arizona University: 1,944
8. Western Governors University: 1,895
9. Lamar University: 1,863
10. Touro College: 1,773

More than half the list, including the top four, offer online teaching degrees far more often than they confer education degrees to traditional students.

The interim associate dean for educator licensure programs at Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education & Leadership, told USA Today that her student-teachers must undergo a full semester in a real-live K-12 school as a “demonstration teacher,” paired with a master teacher and supervisor in the school district. Walden’s education school is named after one of President Clinton’s Secretaries of Education.

According to USA Today, the dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education says that many students are returning to complete their education after starting families and changing careers. Their average age is 33, she said, and many work while they attend classes. Becky Lodewyck, Phoenix’s associate dean, said teaching candidates must complete at least 100 hours of field experience. She said online classes are “incredibly dynamic” and have the potential to hold students more accountable than face-to-face classes. “You can’t hide,” she said. “Everyone participates — everyone has to be fully engaged in the work.”

Looking to go back to school online to become a teacher? Worried about how much that sort of career change might cost? The online education experts at Get Educated scoured the web to compile this data-driven ranking list of the most affordable online teaching masters degrees from accredited universities across the U.S.

Check out these 21 “Best Buys” in affordable online degrees, all offering full Online Masters in Teaching Degrees for less than $17,600.

Our online college affordability rankings compare tuition and online learning fees at 43 different programs offered at online universities across the country. All the online universities we list are regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is the most difficult level of accreditation to achieve and the most respected among other universities and employers. Being ranked as a Best Buy indicates that the degree program has been independently reviewed and found to offer a high quality online degree at a cost well below the national average.

Search All Online Education Masters Degrees This is the ranking for the most affordable online teaching masters degrees. To appear on the Best Buy ranking list, the online degree profiled must cost less than the average cost for an online teaching masters degree from our data set. The costs shown are valid for Fall 2011 when the survey was conducted.

Most Expensive Degree:
$45,518 Master of Arts in Teaching (University of Southern California)

Most Affordable Degree:
$10,188 Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Emporia State University)

Average Cost Online Teaching Degrees:
$17,613

1
A
Emporia State University
Master of Arts in Teaching / English to Speakers of Other Languages
(KS)
$10,188
$13,716
Resident
Others
2
A
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master of Arts in Teaching
(LA)
$10,920
3
A
California State University-East Bay
Master of Science in Education / Online Teaching & Learning
(CA)
$10,980
4
A
University of Missouri
Master of Education in Learning, Teaching & Curriculum / Learning & Instruction: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
(MO)
$11,134
5
A-
Columbia College
Master of Arts in Teaching
(MO)
$11,520
6
A-
American Public University
Master of Education / Teaching-Elementary Reading
(WV)
$11,700
7
A-
Western Governors University
Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
(UT)
$12,140
8
A-
Wilkes University
Master of Science in Online Teaching
(PA)
$12,350
9
B+
University of Saint Mary
Master of Arts in Teaching
(KS)
$13,050
10
B+
Northern Arizona University
Master of Arts in Teaching / Mathematics
(AZ)
$13,104
$19,512
Resident
Others

11
B+
University of Maryland-University College
Master of Arts in Teaching
(MD)
$13,230
$20,160
$13,230
Resident
Others
Military
12
B+
Southwestern College
Master of Arts in Teaching
(KS)
$13,608
13
B
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching
(OH)
$13,992
$14,322
Resident
Others
14
B
Old Dominion University
Master of Science in Community College Teaching
(VA)
$14,781
15
B
Northcentral University
Master of Education / Curriculum & Teaching
(AZ)
$15,100
16
B-
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Arts in Teaching & Learning
(FL)
$15,480
17
B-
American Public University
Master of Education / Teaching-Elementary Education
(WV)
$15,600
18
B-
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Master of Science in Teaching & Learning
(CO)
$16,200
19
C+
Brandman University
Master of Arts in Education, Teaching & Learning
(CA)
$17,100
$17,100
$13,200
Resident
Others
Military
20
C+
Lesley University
Master of Education in Ecological Teaching & Learning
(MA)
$17,310
21
C+
Grand Canyon University
Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Non-IR)

Some school districts require their teachers to have a master’s degree within five years of entering the profession, so earning an education degree online can lead to career growth for current and future educators. A master’s degree is also required for teachers who may want to become school counselors or administrators. U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online education degree programs, including faculty credentials, graduation rates, and student services and technologies.

The post Best Online Teaching Degrees by Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

Online courses have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Now, students can complete entire degrees, at both the undergrad and graduate levels, without ever seeing a fellow student in person. University of Phoenix, for example, is the largest university in the country by enrollment, with more than 300,000 students — only a small fraction of which actually show up at one of UP’s campuses. Traditional brick-and-mortar colleges have sat up and taken notice.

Several such institutions now have their own online degree programs. These schools also bring their highly regarded academic rigor to Internet delivery of course materials. One of the most obvious programs of study for an online degree is IT (information technology). The schools below have been singled out by U.S. News and World Report, as well as Top5.com as the best online IT schools in cyberspace; many have also been labeled “Best Buy”s by GetEducated.com.

If you’re looking for the best online information technology (IT) degree from an accredited U.S. school, at an affordable cost, we’re here to help. The schools we’ve listed here are culled from ratings by respected educational rankings put together by such well-respected sources as U.S. News and World Report, GetEducated.com, and others. For our purposes, we looked at total overall costs, and then eliminated the schools that were a value only for resident students. The schools’ inclusion is based on the most recently available tuition information. But in an effort to sidestep possible changes in the cost of tuition (especially over the summer), no actual dollar figures are included in the list.

That being said, as of this writing, the bulk of the accredited Online Degrees in IT and MIS listed here can be had at a total price tag of $20,000 or less. A handful actually come in at under $12,000 for the degree.

Borrowing from GetEducated.com’s system for ranking degree value, we chose the schools on the list by comparing the tuition and fees they charge, along with reputation and accreditation. What we ended up with is a list of well-regarded, relatively inexpensive schools that offer online computer science degrees to students across the country (and around the world) at a very reasonable cost.

Columbus State University (GA) — TSYS School of Computer Science
The TSYS School of Computer Science offers a Master in Applied Computer Science degree program with concentrations in Software Development, Information Assurance, and Modeling and Simulation, a Bachelor of Science degree program with concentrations in Computer Systems, Applied Computer Science, and Game Programming, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (on campus and online); a Computer Science Teacher Endorsement, and a Minor in Computer Science. The TSYS School of Computer Science is committed to providing the strongest and most current instruction in the areas of computing and technology.

The school boasts 13 full-time faculty and school offers more than one hundred courses per academic year, both online and in traditional classroom settings. The school’s programs prepare students to work as professionals in the fields of software engineering and software architecture, programming, database systems, computer networks, and web applications. With such certifications, Columbus State CSCI grads find work in engineering, scientific, industrial, and business environments.

Minot State University (ND)
U.S. News & World Report ranks Minot State University’s College of Business online graduate programs and MSU undergraduate online programs, including its MIS and Computer Science degrees, among the country’s best online education programs. Combine this high ranking with a price tag that comes in at under $10,000 and you’ve got a tremendous educational value.

The Minot State online Master of Science in management and Master of Science in information systems ranked in the top 10 percent for “Faculty Credentials and Training; top 20 percent for “Student Services and Technology;” and top 30 percent for “Admissions Selectivity ” The rankings also note that the programs are among the most affordable online master’s programs in the nation.

For the overall performance of its online undergraduate programs, MSU ranked 54th (top 23 percent) for “Faculty Credentials and Training,” 62nd for “Student Engagement” and 51st (21.5 percent) for “Overall Rank.” MSU’s online bachelor’s degree programs include management information systems and applied business information technology.

Dakota State University (SD)
Dakota State University is a regionally-accredited school that has gone heavy into online delivery of its computer science and CSCI based degrees, such as Computer and Network Security, Computer Education, Computer Game Design and Information Systems. The CSCI degree offers students the opportunity to learn programming, as well as how to use of major operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. You’ll learn how the computer really works by studying the architecture, and you’ll also learn how it stores, organizes, and accesses those mountains of information. DSU claims to be “the regional leader in all things computer”, and backs up its claim with post-graduate opportunities, in which you’ll have the chance to take advanced courses or hone your skills further to with one of their graduate degrees — also available online.

Jacksonville State University (AL)
Jacksonville State offers two online computer science degree programs — both at the Masters level and both at a cost of just over $10,000. The university’s stated purpose with respect to its Master of Science with a major in computer systems and software design (MSSD) is to educate a new generation of managers, planners, analysts and programmers in the specification, design and deployment of the next generation of computing and information systems. The program is designed for students with an interest in pursing a career in information technology, either in business, industry, government, non-profit organizations, or in college teaching. It provides students with an applied approach to learning, focusing on factors and issues relevant in contemporary software development. The program emphasizes the methods and processes used in successful software organizations. In addition to meeting general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, applicants for the MSSD must have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree with a major in computer science, software engineering, or information systems as determined by the graduate computer science faculty.

Indiana State University
Indiana State University also comes in at under $12,000 for its online degree programs. At the undergraduate level the school offers a B.S. in technology management. For those seeking a more math-based course of study, Indiana State University offers the master of science (M.S.) in electronics and computer technology to students interested in technical, leadership, and management positions in a variety of areas including systems integrator, systems design and development, and project management. According to the school, this program is a rigorous and individualized program that accommodates the previous experiences, education, and interest of each degree candidate. The master of science in electronics and computer technology (MSECT) is a 32-credit-hour (minimum) program that includes a focus or concentration in instrumentation, systems, and automation. The program can be completed in two years (full time). Students also have the option of part-time study. The curriculum sequence includes three program phases: Content, application and integration.

Western Governors University (UT)
The College of Information Technology at WGU offers seven different bachelor’s degrees and three graduate programs that range from software development to health informatics and information management. All can be completed online; and all come in at around $12,000.00. Many of WGU’s undergraduate CSCI degrees also include Microsoft certification as part of the coursework, at no additional cost. As a Microsoft IT Academy program member, WGU is able to offer students a world-class technology curriculum and courseware provided by Microsoft. Many of the schools Microsoft courses will use this rich online learning resource, which includes virtual labs that provide hands-on experience with Microsoft software to supplement the learning environment. The cost of certification exams is included in WGU tuition.

Georgia Southern University
In addition to the bachelor’s degrees available to on-campus students at Georgia Southern’s College of Engineering and Information Technology in Statesville, the school offers on online Master of Science degree in Computer Science. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is an intensive 30-hour graduate program that prepares students in the area of knowledge-based data systems. The program enables students to develop a balance of industry-relevant practical skills, as well as experience that will enhance your professional development and future employment in the IT industry. The program offers concentrations in: Data Mining and Data Warehousing. Emphasizing these high-demand fields, the Georgia Southern Online MS in Computer Science is one of a just a handful of such master’s degree programs in the world.

Trident University International (CA)
TUI, based in Cypress, CA, is a relatively new institution. It was founded in 1998 as a branch of Touro College in New York and received its regional accreditation in 2005. All of TUI’s courses are delivered online, including its computer science and information technology degrees, which are a real value at around $12,000. The school’s College of Information Systems offers two undergraduate degrees, as well as an MS in IT management. The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program is to prepare students for productive computer science-based careers in government, business, industry, and not-for-profit organizations by providing academic excellence, unparalleled access and compassionate student support. According to TUI, the BSCS program provides its graduates with a body of knowledge applicable to the present computing environment, along with a set of skills adaptable to the future computing needs.

Those wishing to parlay their undergrad CS credential into an advanced degree may be interested in TUI’s Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MSITM). The program prepares the graduate to manage IT systems development and implementation, plan and design IT architecture to support these networked systems, develop security and risk management plans for the IT systems, manage IT planning to insure that IT is in step with the strategic direction of the firm, and management of emerging technologies in the firm’s IT infrastructure and systems.

Missouri State University
For less than $15,000, you can complete one of two undergraduate technology management programs or an online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems at Missouri State University. The computer science program at Missouri State has done much to keep up with the evolving fields of technology, including frequent updates to hardware, systems and software. As a student in the department, you would be exposed to technology, techniques and faculty that will prepare you for real world application. The courses use theories rooted in science and mathematics, and teach students to solve complex algorithms and create code. While learning the most current trends and programs, students will also practice communication skills, which are imperative in dealing with colleagues and clients. Faculty in the department actively participate in research, giving students the chance to learn about many different aspects of computer science.

One factor that gives Missouri State’s computer science program an edge is that it’s accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The computer science program at Missouri State strives to be on the front edge of technology and offers an education of up and coming technology trends. There are only four computer science programs in Missouri and 204 computer science programs in the nation that carry this accreditation. Such programs are regularly reviewed by the accreditation board.

University of Illinois at Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers both online bachelor and master of science degrees in computer science — for less than $15,000.00. A concentration in computer science will familiarize students with the various areas of knowledge that make up the field. Students will develop a firm understanding of the fundamental skills and core theories of computer science which power the rapid technological change in the world today. Upon completion, a student with a bachelor of science will be prepared for graduate studies in computer science or studies in other fields that are strongly associated with computer science. Students in the bachelor’s degree program choose to emphasize either software engineering or systems security and information assurance. The graduate program’s main emphasis is oriented toward software and is most appropriate for candidates interested in the design, analysis, and implementation of software programs. In addition to the software emphasis, the school offers some courses in security and information assurance. These courses are appropriate for candidates interested in design, implementation and policy issues related to security and information assurance.

Information assurance is a major program at Illinois Springfield. The Computer Science Department has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education!
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) Program. The goal of these program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in IA and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines. Students attending these designated schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.

The Computer Science Department at UI Springfield is considered one of the pioneers of online CSCI education, along with MIT, Oregon State, and Udacity. Illinois Springfield was among the first institutions to bring computer science training online, beginning in 2006, with online enrollments exceeding on-campus enrollments today.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report gives high marks to the University of Illinois Springfield’s online graduate degree programs in computer science. The magazine ranked 196 online bachelor’s degree programs and 523 online master’s degree programs in business, engineering, nursing, education and computer information technology. Overall, the UIS computer science master’s program ranked eighth in the nation for “Student Service & Technology” and 21st for “Teaching Practices & Student Engagement” in the computer information technology category.

College of St. Scholastica (MN)
For around $16,000, you can earn an undergrad or masters degree in computer science/computer information systems from the College of St. Scholastica, a small, regionally-accredited college that was founded in 1912, in Duluth, MN. Students in the program learn current and emerging computer technologies and the means to apply these system technologies in solving organizational problems. In addition to the core computer concepts, students select a specific application concentration in business management, healthcare, Web development, math, or software engineering. Students may also seek departmental approval for a custom designed concentration.

Sam Houston State University
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University, located 70 north of Houston, is the third oldest public institution of advanced education in the state of Texas. SHSU enrolls over 18,000 students a year in a variety of undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs. While the school is most well-known for its college of Criminal Justice, it also boasts a comprehensive variety of online courses, included classes in information technology. SHSU has been recognized by U.S. News for the effectiveness and quality of its online programs in a variety of categories, including information technology, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate education.

Virginia Tech
Nestled in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, most commonly known as Virginia Tech, is a public university well known for its affluence and expertise in the technology industry and applied sciences. Virginia Tech has pioneered an online system of computer software and feedback that streams one-on-one discussion and small group tutoring, which makes it the perfect learning environment for an individual interested in online classes. With classes from Virginia Tech, you can rest assured that you’ll have the resources and help to succeed in information technology.

University of Bridgeport
One of the most racially diverse campuses in America, the University of Bridgeport is an independent, privately funded university that ensures an individualized learning experience. This University was ranked by U.S. News as #1 for its information technology program in 2012 and is #4 in 2013, demonstrating that this program is consistently one of the best and most successful and reliable programs in the country. UB also has a variety of resources for English as a second language, or ESL students, if you wish to have a quality educational experience but worry about your mastery of English.

Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Also known as “Penn State Online,” this is a component of the world-famous Penn State University that allows students from across the globe to get a quality education. This system was established in 1998 and hosts over 6,000 students every year from various states and countries, and offers more than 90 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. This program treats the student exactly as if they were a physical student at the University, holding them to the same academic standards; for instance, students must complete exams at educational institutions close to them in front of webcams. If you need an online educational experience but don’t want a watered down system where you aren’t treated like a real student, Penn State Online is an ideal choice. It may not be the best value looking solely at dollars, but the school’s program is so highly regarded that it may pay dividends in the form of higher salary and more upward mobility.

The post Best Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees by Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

If you’re looking for a stable job in the health care industry with considerable opportunity growth that doesn’t require much education – then consider becoming a medical assistant. The responsibilities and work environment of medical assistant vary based on a position, but in general these professionals find jobs in health care offices such as podiatrists, chiropractors, and more. Job duties for medical assistant include administrative work, clinical testing, and helping doctors and nurses with other tasks based on their needs.
Becoming a medical assistant is ideal for a person who doesn’t have the time to go back to school for many years. In fact, some people find jobs as a medical assistant straight out of high school and are trained on the job. However, one of the better ways to get noticed in the job market is by achieving a medical assistant certification. This will give you a great basis of knowledge and experience as well as a great line for your resume. However, there are many different certification programs out there and it’s important you find the most reputable course at a fair price. Here’s how to determine if a medical certification program is worth the cost of tuition.

• Consider the school: Online medical assistant certification programs are offered by private institutions, vocational schools, community colleges, and more. In general, having a certificate linked to a well-known school in the region, even if you never had to step on campus for a class, is your best bet compared to attending a private online only school no one has heard of.
• Consider the courses: You want to graduate from your certification course confident in your skills and knowledge. Things you will learn about are anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, lab techniques, diagnostic procedures, patient relations, medical law, and much more. You may even have the opportunity to specialize by choosing your own electives to better prepare you for working in a particular field you’re most interested in.
• Compare tuition to certification achieved: Costs for certification courses will vary. The key to finding a good value is getting the most education and highest certification for a good price. Compare tuition prices between different online programs and traditional certification courses to find the best price.
• Exam preparation: After you’ve graduated from your course, you can go on to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam. If you pass this test, you’ll receive credentials from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AMAA) which can help you land jobs, meet people in the industry, and participate in continuing education programs. Some certification courses will better prepare you for taking this exam which can reduce the amount of time studying if you have to do.

Medical assistant salaries start around $28,860/year, however with time and experience you can earn more. One of the most appealing parts about becoming a medical assistant is the growing number of job openings in cities and towns around the country. If you’re ready to get into this field, start by finding a medical assistant certification program with the best value.

Best Medical Assistant Certification Programs & Schools by Value:

Anamarc College

Anamarc College offers a Medical Assistant program that prepares students for advanced administrative positions as medical assistants in physician’s offices. Requiring 46.5 credits for graduation, students receive training in such medical procedures as taking vital signs, administering CPR and First Aid, nutrition and meal planning, phlebotomy and giving injections and EKG’s.

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Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College offers students a one-year diploma program as a Medical Assistant. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, it provides students with basic knowledge of dealing with patients such as taking vital signs and administering injections. Practical experience is given through placement at a local medical office during the last four weeks of the final semester, with students eligible to sit for the national certification exam upon graduation.

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Neosho County Community College

Neosho County Community College offers students a Medical Assistant program that can be completed in less than one year. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the exam that qualifies them as Registered Medical Assistants, which is accepted in all 50 states. To give students practical experience, the program includes 160 clinical hours in a medical facility to prepare students for the workforce.

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Ellsworth Community College

Ellsworth Community College offers a Medical Assistant diploma program that can be completed in one year. The school has been rated by CNNMoney.com as having one of the top 20 highest student success rates in the United States, and for having students who graduate with very little student debt. The medical assistant program in the past year has had a 100% graduation rate, with students gaining employment in a variety of medical settings.

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Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies offers a great medical assistant program for students that can be completed in just over nine months. Students learn both administrative and medical skills including answering phones, processing paperwork, taking vital signs, administering medications and much more. Many students who have graduated from this program have gone on to become doctors or nurses, a testimony to the training they received at Valley Grande.

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Lincoln College of New England

Lincoln College of New England offers a medical assistant certificate program that’s one of the best in Connecticut. Able to be finished in less than one year, the program prepares students for exciting positions in medical offices and facilities. Students learn administrative tasks such as answering phones and processing billing paperwork as well as medical tasks like taking vital signs and phlebotomy.

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Northwest Kansas Technical College

Northwest Kansas Technical College offers students an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting that can be completed in only 10 months, with graduates obtaining jobs with average salaries approaching $29,000 per year. Accredited by the CAAHEP, students learn how to schedule appointments and receive patients, take vital signs, administer EKG’s and other diagnostic tests and much more.

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University of Alaska

University of Alaska offers students an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. Students completing the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam, which if obtained can greatly increase one’s chances of obtaining better employment. Students are trained on how to handle patients upon arrival, obtaining medical and insurance information as well as taking vital signs and assisting them with diagnostic tests.

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Imperial Valley College

Imperial Valley College offers students a program in medical assisting that can be completed in 30 months. The average cost of the program is near $4,000 including books, fees, uniforms and other expenses. Students take a combination of classroom and clinical experiences, giving them a realistic look at a day in the life of a medical assistant.

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Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College offers students many fine programs in allied health including dental assisting, nursing and emergency medical technology. However, it does not currently provide any type of training program for people wishing to become medical assistants.

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Ventura College

Ventura College offers students a unique multi-skilled program in medical assisting. Able to be completed in only 18 weeks during fall and spring semesters or 9 weeks in the summer, it gives students classroom and practical experience in front desk, lab and back office procedures. Students learn how to take medical histories, perform receptionist duties, administer medications and injections and take a patient’s vital signs and EKG.

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University of Hawaii Maui College

Mountainland Applied Technology College prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s careers. Offering a certificate in medical assisting, the school prepares students for the many demanding tasks that are expected of today’s medical assistants. Both front desk and back office procedures are learned, as are how to perform certain diagnostic tests such as EKG’s and drug tests. Upon completion of the program, students can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam.

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Norwalk Community College

Norwalk Community College offers students a medical assistant certificate program that provides 180 hours of clinical instruction in medical facilities. In addition, it offers a number of financial aid opportunities to students who need help covering tuition and other expenses such as uniforms, equipment and physical exams. Upon graduating, students can take the Certified Medical Assistant exam and begin work on an Associate’s degree in Medical Office Management.

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Iowa Western Community College

Iowa Western Community College offers students a one-year diploma in medical assisting. With an average class size of 18 students, the program prides itself on individual attention within classrooms. In addition to teaching students skills for the front office as well as medical procedures such as taking vital signs and phlebotomy, the program lets students finish their studies by completing a clinical experience in a local medical office.

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Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offers students a one-year diploma program in ophthalmic medical assisting. Students in this specialty not only learn front desk procedures such as scheduling appointments, coding and billing but also specialized tasks such as taking vital signs and medical histories. In addition, students in this program learn how to perform diagnostic tests and verifying eyeglass subscriptions.

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Montana State University

Montana State University is recognized as one of the top research universities in the western United States, offering its students an array of degrees and programs. However, the school does not currently offer any programs in medical assisting to its students.

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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers students a one-year certificate program in medical assisting technology. Accredited by CAAHEP, it teaches students a variety of front office procedures including coding, billing, appointment scheduling and taking medical histories. They also learn how to perform phlebotomy, diagnostic tests including EKG’s and drug tests and administering injections. Upon graduating, students can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant national exam, allowing them to practice as such in all 50 states.

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Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers students a one-year certificate program in medical assisting. Learning a variety of skills including vital signs, diagnostic tests and front office duties, student have an opportunity to gain clinical experience by completing internships at local medical offices and facilities.

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Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College offers students an Associate’s degree in Medical Assisting as well as a certificate program. The certificate can be gained in 10 months, while the degree takes two years. Students are exposed to a variety of experiences and situations in an array of offices and facilities, letting them perfect their skills in front office duties and patient care. Clinical internships have students performing diagnostic EKG’s and drug tests, drawing blood and taking vital signs.

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Uintah Basin Applied Technology College

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College offers students a medical assistant diploma program that gives them the skills needed to become excellent members of a health care team in a physician’s office, hospital or other medical facility. Teaching such skills as vital signs, lab testing and records management students are prepared to enter their jobs with the confidence of a seasoned professional.

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Central Technology Center

Central Technology Center offers its students excellence in health sciences education while keeping costs low. Offering a full-time medical assistant program, graduates average $11 per hour in their new jobs. With the total cost of the program less than $2,000 the training is seen as a bargain by many students, considering the salaries they receive in their new careers.

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Los Angeles ORT College

Los Angeles ORT College offers students a medical assistant diploma program ranging in length from 30-45 weeks, depending upon if taken during the day or evening. Teaching students a variety of skills in administration and medical diagnostics, the program has proven to be very popular with both students and employers.

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Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers an Associate degree in Medical Assisting to students wanting to enter this in-demand field. Fully accredited by the CAAHEP, the program trains students in everything they need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.

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Blackhawk Technical College

Blackhawk Technical College offers a one-year program in medical assisting to its students. Teaching a combination of administrative and medical skills, the program lets students learn how to do a variety of tasks in a medical office or facility, making them a valuable member of the health care team.

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Howard College

Howard College offers a certificate program in medical assisting to its students. Teaching a variety of administrative, medical and laboratory procedures students are trained in all aspects of a typical day in a doctor’s office. Students who graduate are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant exam.

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Raritan Valley Community College

Raritan Valley Community College offers a medical assistant certificate program for students wanting to enter this high-demand field. Students complete two consecutive semesters of classroom work, followed by a six-week internship in the summer at a local doctor’s office or other facility. The program is fully accredited by CAAHEP, and is well-respected among doctors and hospitals.

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Platt College

Platt College offers students an Associate’s degree in Medical Assisting that is viewed by many graduates and employers as one of the best around. Offering students full-time Career Services support as well as generous financial aid packages, the school graduates well-trained medical assistants ready to make a difference with patients and their care.

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Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College offers a certificate in medical assisting that provides students with many benefits. Requiring only three semesters to complete, the total cost of the program is just over $5,000. Generous financial aid packages are available to those students who qualify.

The post Best Medical Assistant Certification Programs & Schools by Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

The medical billing and coding job market is growing at a rate of 21%. There are currently more than 180,000 billers and coders in the US and more jobs opening up every day. Medical billers and coders are professionals who manage information and data from health care providers to ensure efficient and accurate record taking, billing, and more. They are responsible for categorizing patient information, billing patients, acting as the mediator between insurance companies, patients, and doctors to ensure everyone pays and is paid in a timely manner, and more. Most billers and coders work in health care facilities such as hospitals, physician’s office, or even research institutes. The job does require sitting at a computer for extended periods of time as well as accurate reading skills and the ability to quickly learn and retain information such as medical codes.
Medical billers and coders will require at least a post-secondary certification if not a BA degree for the upper level positions. There are a variety of online certification program available for people who want the flexibility to do their studying from home. Many online schools are self-paced which means you will be able to fit in your studying with your other commitments such as a job or raising a family. Additionally, online programs are often less expensive than traditional schools, however, don’t just take the cheapest option. Here’s how to tell if an online medical billing and coding program is worth the money and time.

• Cost: The first place to start determining the value of a program is by making a list of the schools that interest you, the length of the program, the degree you gain at the end, and the total cost of tuition and fees. Keep in mind, a program may be more expensive because the course is more extensive and will better prepare you for the work place – this is good value. On the other hand, some programs may be as cheap as $100 and only require 20 hours of class time, but this is a waste because the certificate won’t be enough to get a job in the job market. Check out the education requirements for positions you’re interested and then find a good value based on this level.
• Variety of Courses: Having a variety of coding skills is important in the position of medical biller and coder. Some examples of courses include:
  • Medical insurance and managed care
  • Government programs
  • Electronic data interchange modifiers
  • Health insurance claim forms
• Internship: A great way to get your foot in the door at a new job is with an internship. Some certification courses require an internship which can be good or bad based on your needs, experience, and schedule.

The Best Medical Billing and Coding Certification Training Schools by Value:

South Georgia Technical College

South Georgia Technical College is located in Americus, Georgia and offers students a chance to gain access to higher education. This school is an accredited institution through the state’s Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition to medical billing, this school also has specific course work in medical coding.

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Moraine Valley Community College

Moraine Valley Community College is part of the Palos Hills, Illinois community, and offers accredited educational opportunities in medical coding and billing to qualified students. It is a qualified institution and has the approval of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It also has strong academic footing through its membership in the American Association of Community Colleges and Association of International Educators.

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Westmoreland County Community College

Westmoreland County Community College has a Medical Insurance Billing Certificate Program and fulfills an ongoing need in the Youngwood, Pennsylvania community for medical office professionals. Fully supported by the Federal financial aid program, students can gain monetary support to complete their educational goals. This school awards students certificates for coursework completed in medical billing and is a finalist for the National Community College Award.

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Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology

Many schools offer coursework toward state certified exams for medical coding and billing, but few have a Certificate of Applied Science Degree. A part of the Great Falls, Montana community, the Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology offers endorsed education. In addition to affiliation with the United States Department of Education, they also have accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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H Councill Trenholm State Technical College

If you are seeking medical billing and medical coding classes, H Councill Trenholm State Technical College provides the coursework students need. Students in the Montgomery, Alabama start by taking classes for the Medical Assisting Technology Program. After they complete the courses, students are eligible for certification exams for medical billing and coding by the state of Alabama. The school is fully accredited and carries a license for students to be a Certified Coding Associate from the American Health Information Management Association.

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Polaris Career Center

Located in the community of Middlebury Heights, Ohio, the Polaris Career Center offers a high-tech approach to medical billing and medical coding. Their program has an emphasis on electronic health records with over 900 hours of education. All of their classes are part of the Financial Aid Eligible Program due to their accreditation from the Ohio Department of Education.

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College of Lake County

Situated in Grayslake, Illinois, the College of Lake County has certificates for students seeking classes in Medical Billing Specialist and Medical Transcription. Overall, the coursework prepares a student for the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. As an accredited institution, students that are enrolled and are prepared to pass the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam.

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Everett Community College

Found in the heart of Everett, Washington, Everett Community College is accredited to offer classes for students interested in medical billing and coding. Enrolled students will work to complete a Certified Coding Associate and Certified Professional Coder program. After course completion, students are prepared to take the Academy of Professional Coders or American Health and Information Management Association Exam.

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University of Arkansas Community College

Medical billing and medical coding are covered at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville with their Business Services Medical Office Management program that includes an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Upon completion of coursework, students can also receive a Business Services Medical Billing and Coding Certificate of Proficiency. For students seeking Federal financial aid, it is important to note that the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association licenses this school.

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Saint Louis Community College

Students seeking a Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Billing and Coding find success at Saint Louis Community College. Their medical billing and medical coding courses are complete with 45 credits in total. This school is compliant with a number of accrediting agencies and is intended to prepare students for certifications for the American Health Information Management Association, National Electronic Billers Alliance and the American Health Information Management Association’s Coding Education Curriculum Guidelines.

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Lehigh Carbon Community College

The community of Schnecksville, Pennsylvania proudly offers a Medical Billing Specialist Specialized Diploma at Lehigh Carbon Community College. All coursework is utilized to prepare students for tests offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders, American Medical Billing Association, American Health Information Management Association and similar institutions. Financing to complete academic goals is available through the Federal Student Aid program.

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West Georgia Technical College

At the West Georgia Technical College in Waco, Georgia, students are prepared for the Medical Coding and the Medical Billing Clerk certificate program. This school is licensed by the Schools Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges. Completing coursework at this school also falls in compliance with Federal Student Aid program requirements.

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Lord Fairfax Community College

The Lord Fairfax Community College is located on three campuses throughout the state of Virginia. Each institution is committed to providing students with quality education in medical coding and medical billing. Fully licensed, the Virginia Ministry of Education and the National Association of Credential Evaluators approve all classes offered at this school.

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San Jacinto Community College

An active part of the community in cities of Houston and Pasadena, Texas, San Jacinto Community College helps students reach their goals. Through coursework, students are prepared to take the exit exam for the American Academy of Professional Coders Professional Medical Coding Curriculum for Certified Professional Coder Certification. All classes are eligible for Federal student loans through accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Community College of Beaver County

The Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, Pennsylvania is proud to offer students coursework in medical billing and medical coding through their Medical Administrative Assistant certificate. After completing the classes, students will have earned 31 total credit hours. All Federal student loans are available due to this school’s licensing through the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Houston Community College

Houston, Texas has a resource for students seeking an education in medical billing and medical coding. The Houston Community College gives students an opportunity to take flexible credit hours. At the end of the coursework, students will be granted a Certificate of Completion for Medical Billing and Coding. Students will then be eligible for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam by the National Health Career Association.

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Labette Community College

Students looking for coursework in medical billing and medical coding can find success at Labette Community College. Located in the Parsons, Kansas community, students complete a four-semester set of courses to earn a certificate to be a Medical Administration Assistant. Students can continue their studies to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. Student loans and Federal financial aid programs are approved for enrolled students at this school.

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Mountainland Applied Technology College

Located in the state of Utah, this college has five campuses in American Fork, Orem, Spanish Fork, Thanksgiving Point and Wasatch. Fully accredited through the Utah Valley University Credit Articulation Agreement, students can earn credits toward a medical billing and coding degree as well as an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Technology.

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Northampton County Area Community College

Located in the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania community, the Northampton County Area Community College grants students an opportunity to learn medical billing. Found in their Medical Billing Specialist program, this two-semester course helps students qualify for careers in the healthcare industry. Fully accredited, students are eligible to apply for the Federal Student Loan program.

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Texas School of Business

Students seeking medical coding and medical billing coursework can find it in Friendswood and Houston, Texas. The Texas School of Business gives students a chance to earn a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Diploma. All accreditation at this school is secured by the Kaplan Company.

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Portage Lakes Career Center

Located in Uniontown, Ohio, the Portage Lakes Career Center is fully equipped to offer students courses in medical coding and billing. The school is accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and is included in the Federal Financial Aid program. In addition to 900 hours of coursework, a 160-hour internship is included.

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Centura College

Centura College of Virginia Beach, Virginia grants students the opportunity to learn about medical coding and billing. Recognized by the United States Department of Education, this school is eligible for Federal student loans. Graduating with a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Training grants students the tools they need to take the National Certified Medical Insurance and Coding exam.

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Mercy College of Health Sciences

The Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa is where local students can complete classes in medical billing and medical coding. Offering a 10-week course, students earn a Medical Billing and Coding Short-Term Certificate. Students are also eligible to use course hours as college credit. This school is fully accredited and is a recipient of Federal student loan awards.

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Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington offers lessons for students seeking a career in medical coding or billing. Transcription, technology, and professional development are also emphasized in the accredited coursework. Upon completion, students earn an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Health Information Technology.

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Umpqua Community College

The Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon proudly presents classes in medical billing. Through their one-year program, students can earn a Medical Billing and Collections Clerk Certificate. As an accredited school that hosts over 3,000 full-time students per year, Federal financial aid is fully available to enrolled students.

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Davis Applied Technology College

Kaysville, Utah is where Davis Applied Technology College hosts its program in medical billing and coding. Earned through their Medical Office Program, students receive a certificate for their classroom hours. In addition, this school offers Electronic Health Record Specialist classes as part of their coursework. Students are also qualified for the Federal Student Aid program at this school.

The post Best Medical BIlling and Coding Certification Training Schools by Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

If you’re a business professional and want to take your career to a new level, an MBA may be your ticket to the top. A MBA degree can help you get a promotion, move into management, or even change careers into a new area such as finance, marketing, or other. However, getting a MBA degree is a big investment in terms of not only money, but time as well. Not everyone can afford to give up their income for two years to go back to school. In these situations, an online MBA program might be your best option.
Online programs have been around long enough that many of the kinks have been worked out and these programs are as legitimate in the eyes of employers as many traditional ones. Also, online programs are notoriously less expensive than other options such as private schools. However, don’t just choose an online program because it’s the cheapest – instead, consider the value of the programs you are interested. This is a more balanced approach that takes cost, reputation, academics, and more into consideration. Here’s what to look for in an online MBA school to know if it’s offering you a good balance.

• Reputation: Reputation is one of the most important factors in determining the success of MBA graduates. While not everyone can afford an Ivy League education (or the time required to take off from working full time), some online schools are still ranked higher than others. Take into consideration the quality of the professors, the industry’s view of the program, and how successful graduates are after they graduate.
• Specializations: If you’re interested in a specific field of business it may be beneficial to you to find an online MBA program that offers a specialization. Popular choices include marketing, finance, management, leadership, non-profit, and much more. By specializing, you’ll be giving yourself a leg up in the market when it comes time to find a job.
• Tuition: The value of a MBA program will absolutely take into account the cost of tuition. It’s easy to compare tuition costs online for different programs. Also, check the cost of local MBA programs through public schools – such as part time programs and evening programs – to ensure you’re not overpaying.
• Network: In business, having a good network is one of the best ways to find new jobs, find new hires for the team you manage, and more. Search for an online school that promotes a healthy alumni network – something you will appreciate when you graduate.

Lastly, one of the best ways to learn about an online MBA program is by talking to current students. These students can tell you about the rigor of the course, the professors, the work load, and if they feel like they’re getting their money worth. Also, recent graduates can tell you if they’ve received promotions or gotten a new job since graduating. With the right amount of research, you’ll find the best online MBA program for you and your wallet.

The Best Online MBA Programs by Value

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers its nationally-ranked online MBA program to professionals seeking a top-rated program with the flexibility and convenience of online instruction. The program is ranked in the Top 25 by two national rating systems. Students can take the courses both online and on-campus either on a full-time or part-time basis depending on their needs.

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Michigan Technological University

With a focus on bringing technology and business together, Michigan Tech embraces online instruction to deliver its MBA program to its target audience of professionals seeking an advanced degree. The university prides itself on offering a top-flight curriculum that is tailored to meet the schedule demands of each individual student.

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Northeastern State University

The MBA program offered by Northeastern State University is specifically designed to accommodate full-time working students by offering its program in the evenings. The university strives to make its program meet the demanding skill requirements necessary for its graduates to compete in the workplace. Although the MBA program is not offered online, the school does have a variety of courses that can be taken online.

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Caldwell College

Meeting the needs of the 21st century business world is the goal behind the curriculum offered in Caldwell College’s online MBA program. The college provides its students with the flexibility to take courses in areas that include Global Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management and Accounting. With the distance learning component being a major part of its program, Caldwell College is positioned to be competitive with other educational institutions around the globe.

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Monmouth University

Monmouth University’s Accelerated MBA Program utilizes the internet to deliver its curriculum to students who need the flexibility and convenience of online courses. The program combines online and interactive classroom instruction in a predetermined sequence to graduate their students in one year. The university also offers a standard MBA program which is not as compressed but has an array of other tracks such as Healthcare Management and Real Estate.

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La Sierra University

La Sierra University offers a customized MBA program that is tailored to the needs of the student. They highlight the evening classes, cohort system and personalized attention that makes their MBA program unique. While the university does have some online courses, the MBA program is campus-based in several areas of metro Los Angeles.

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Augusta State University

The Hull College of Business at Augusta State University is well-known for its competitive MBA program. Classes can be taken online and the program is highly sought by many international students. With the flexibility of the online program, students have the ability to proceed at the pace that is convenient to their needs.

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifying it as the Innovator’s MBA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers their MBA program in three methods: Cohort Track, Evening Track and Flex Track. The Flex Track is the online track that allows the student to tailor the schedule of courses to fit their needs. Some on-campus time is required to ensure a well-trained and well-rounded candidate emerges from the program.

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Broadview University

The focus of the online MBA program at Broadview University is management and entrepreneurship. The program length may be tailored to the needs of the student with an accelerated track available for those wishing to complete the program in 18 months. The program culminates with a focus on business project development or preparing a business plan.

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Colorado Christian University

For those seeking to expand their horizons in management and leadership, the Online MBA Program at Colorado Christian University has that as its main emphasis. Among the components of the program are concepts such as “servant leadership” and Christian wisdom and love. The online program can be completed in seven weeks.

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Lourdes University

Offering an affordable and convenient way to complete an MBA, Lourdes University’s MBA program allows students to take MBA prerequisite courses online. Upon completion of these courses and successful passing of a final exam, students can move into the traditional program. Their MBA program strives to graduate students with strong ethics and leadership qualities to prepare them for the global business world.

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Stevens-Henager College

The online MBA program at Stevens-Henager College focuses on developing and enhancing the skills of students to be leaders in the business world. Their online courses are designed to give students the flexibility and convenience they need. The program also offers an MBA with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. This dual-pronged approach develops graduates that are ready to compete in the business arena.

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Saint Joseph’s College

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers the MBA Leadership Program online. The program focuses on critical thinking combined with social responsibility to develop graduates that will have business skills and an understanding of the interpersonal qualities desired in leaders. With an experienced faculty and a robust online program, graduates will be adequately prepared for the business world.

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Iona College

Offered through the Hagan School of Business at Iona College, the Fast Track MBA program is a combination of online and classroom courses. The program offers students the opportunity to achieve their MBA by following a pre-set sequence of courses that compresses the traditional program into a 13 to 15 month period. Iona has designed this program to complement their traditional MBA program to accommodate today’s working students.

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University of Wyoming

Enhancing the career and professional development opportunities of its students is at the heart of the university’s MBA program. The accredited online program combines real-world experience with challenging classroom study to train the best graduates. With its location in an energy producing region, the University of Wyoming also offers an Energy Management MBA.

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East Carolina University

Preparing its students for real-life situations and challenges in the business world, East Carolina University has designed its online MBA program to meet this goal. The MBA can be achieved completely online which makes it an ideal program for those not able to attend on-campus classes. With flexibility in mind, students can combine online and on-campus courses within the same semester.

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University of the Incarnate Word

As an educational institution with a religious heritage, the University of the Incarnate Word offers an online MBA program that addresses the technical business skills required in the marketplace with an emphasis on ethics in business. The MBA graduate will be well-prepared through the university’s distance learning program to bring a higher quality of proficiency and skills to the business world.

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Texas Southern University

The historic Texas Southern University uses online technology to offer the Online Executive MBA Program (eMBA). The graduate program greatly enhances the opportunities for mid-career professionals to excel and provides them with quality curriculum taught by an experienced and highly regarded staff.

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Gardner-Webb University

Ranked as the number one online MBA program for student services and technology by U.S. News and World Report, Gardner-Webb has demonstrated that it has a quality online MBA program that delivers beneficial results to its students. The program has also received high rankings, coming in at number nine, from BusinessMBA.org. Students that graduate from Gardner-Webb University’s program should be in great demand in the business world.

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Aspen University

Aspen University’s Online MBA program is structured to dispel the belief that students cannot have a graduate program that is customized specifically for them. Their online program offers an innovative curriculum that trains and develops the student so they can pursue the executive, entrepreneurial or leadership path in the job market.

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University of Mississippi

The highly ranked Professional MBA Program draws upon the rich cultural heritage of the University of Mississippi to present a challenging and flexible program for its students. The online MBA program was in U.S. News and World Report’s Top 14 programs. Students selecting Ole Miss will find that the program promotes teamwork, professional development and interpersonal business skills.

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University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine offers a MBA program that stresses the interface between academia and the business community. By championing this connection, the program develops students that have gained the analytical and management tools to contribute in the business world. Although the MBA program is not offered online, the university has an online presence in its School of Business where some core courses may be offered for graduate students.

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Fresno Pacific University

The online MBA program at Fresno Pacific University is centered on a global perspective that incorporates Christian ethical standards. By addressing the international aspect of business in its program, it prepares its graduates to excel on the global stage. A great component of the program is the regional and international trips for its students. The travel costs for the travel are covered by the tuition.

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SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome

The MBA program at the SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome is offered online in two main areas: Technology Management and Health Services Management. With a targeted focus on these two areas, the MBA program has specially designed curriculum that prepares student to excel in those areas of business. The online studies are offered in a fast-track format as well as part-time options.

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University of Dubuque

The University of Dubuque has an MBA program with a global scope. Despite its Midwestern location, the university recognizes that providing a MBA program that incorporates a broad perspective is critical in today’s business world. The university offers some courses online although the MBA program is campus-based.

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Southern New Hampshire University

The well-rounded online MBA program offered by Southern New Hampshire University is structured around curriculum that combines theory with real-world experiences. The online program dates back to 1996 and has several features to appeal to students. The program is accredited, affordable, flexible, focused and designed to be completed within 21 months.

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University of Texas-Pan American

The strong tradition that includes international accreditation has made the online MBA program at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) a prominent program. UTPA’s MBA focuses on teaching new skills to its students that can be used in the global business world. The program is highly-rated among the Hispanic community and the university has received numerous awards for its programs.

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Georgia Southwestern State University

The MBA program at Georgia Southwestern State University focuses on developing its student’s critical thinking skills, leadership skills and management abilities. The program combines those skills with the global perspective necessary in today’s business arena. The accredited MBA program is campus-based but there are online courses at the undergraduate level in business and in other programs of the university.

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San Jose State University

The Lucas Graduate School of Business at San Jose State University offers four MBA programs. These include the Executive-style MBA for working professions, traditional MBA, the accelerated MBA-One and the MBA/Master of Science in Engineering Dual Degree. These programs are taught on campus but there is an online presence that offers classes in other disciplines.

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the nation’s most prestigious business schools. Its highly regarded MBA program is a leader in developing graduates who have made their mark in business, government and other areas of society. MIT has just begun to delve into online courses buts its MBA program is currently not available online.

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California Baptist University

With an experienced and distinguished faculty, the online MBA program at California Baptist University is tailored for the working professional who needs the flexibility and availability of the online program. The university uses the latest technology in its Interactive Distance Learning approach to prepare its MBA students for the business world.

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Tiffin University

Transforming students into well-trained, highly skilled MBA graduates is the role that Tiffin University has established. Its online MBA program offers small classes that allow its professors to give personalized attention to the students. The online MBA program takes advantage of technology to offer flexibility, affordability and a customizable curriculum to its students.

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Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University has been a pacesetter in developing innovative ways to make obtaining an education convenient to its students. With extended campuses and an online presence, it is one of the early adopters. Although it doesn’t offer its MBA degree online, it does however offer a number of business administration courses online that may be available in the pursuit of the MBA.

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Clayton State University

Clayton State University’s MBA degree can be obtained through the 20-month, fast track program offered in the evenings and on some weekends. While the university offers many core undergraduate courses online, the MBA program is taught on its main campus and two satellite campuses in the metro Atlanta area.

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Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

The MBA program is designed to train students to be problem-solvers, to adapt to the changing global environment and to be socially responsible in business management. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne’s program is also offered in an accelerated program to accommodate working students. The university does offer some programs online but the MBA program is campus-based.

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Salve Regina University

With the global business environment expanding, Salve Regina University is forging ahead in its efforts to train world-class business leaders that develop quantitative skills, leadership and ethical development through its MBA program. The MBA degree can be fully obtained online and is fully accredited. The program features a concentration in Nonprofit Management and helps its students adequately prepare themselves to run nonprofit organizations.

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Aurora University

Aurora University has tailored its online MBA program to focus on problem-solving and team-building so that its graduates will be ready to address the changing and ongoing business practices. The online MBA program strives to develop knowledgeable graduates so that they have greater earning potential in the job market.

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Jones International University

To address the varying needs of its students, Jones International University has developed several unique areas of study that can help graduates advance their careers. The online MBA program areas of study include Entrepreneurship, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Information Security Management and Global Enterprise Management.

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Indiana Institute of Technology

Indiana Institute of Technology created its online MBA program to keep pace with the changing world. They offer MBA degrees in different areas such as human resources, health care management, finance and accounting. Their online MBA program continues to be updated to meet the needs of career-oriented students.

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Capitol College

With a focus on developing the leadership and management skills of its students to meet the challenges in the business world, Capitol College’s online MBA program fulfills this goal. Since the college in located in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, they offer a special concentration on federal acquisition and Department of Defense contracting.

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McNeese State University

McNeese State University offers an accredited MBA degree that involves arming its student with decision-making and analytical tools that will adequately prepare them for the business world. The program strives to be more reality-based and less on theory. Although the university does have an online presence, the MBA program is based on-campus.

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Colorado Mesa University

The MBA program offered by Colorado Mesa University is designed to challenge its students in order for them to be well-trained to compete in the business world. The program offers a professional track that incorporates real-life work experience and the thesis track that requires a directed research project. The MBA program is taught on-campus and Colorado Mesa does have online classes in other areas.

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Baker College

Baker’s online MBA program is specifically tailored towards candidates looking for a wide-ranging graduate program that offers the degree in different areas. Specialties within the MBA program ranges from general business to health care administration to leadership. Baker combines an accredited program with the flexibility and customization that having online courses provides.

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Marshall University

Marshall University’s MBA program strives to combine classroom theory to practical real world applications in the. This goal makes their program one of the best in the country. While the MBA program is campus-based, Marshall does have an online presence to take courses.

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Missouri University of Science and Technology

At the Missouri University of Science and Technology, the online MBA program is focused on integrating comprehensive training for their graduates to be able to implement their knowledge and achieve results in the global business place. Their online program allows students to forgo the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) by enrolling in their Graduate Certificate program which can ultimately lead to an MBA degree.

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Hamline University

The MBA program at Hamline University takes a three-prong approach to educating their graduates: quality education, community of fellow students and experienced faculty. Upon completion of the MBA program, their graduates will have a well-rounded education in the business field. While their MBA program is not offered online, Hamline University does have several programs and degrees that can be obtained online with minimal residency.

The post The Best Online MBA Programs by Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

Online school is a popular choice for people who need the flexibility to study from home while they are working or raising a family. Online courses, degrees, and certifications are offered from public and private universities. The costs and reputation between these schools will vary widely however. Perspective students should weigh out many options before making a choice. In some instances, online education isn’t just about the flexibility, but also the lower cost. If you’re interested in finding the best online college for value and price, here are some things to take into consideration.

• Academic Options: Some private online schools specialize in only a few academic degree offerings such as health care, education, or business. If you already know what you want to get your degree in, be sure to find a school that offers this major. Paying for a degree pertaining to a subject that doesn’t interest you or has a lacking job market won’t do you any good in the end no matter how inexpensive the program. If you’re still choosing a major, consider looking into which degrees are in highest demand in your area (or the city you wish to live in) and see if there is anything that makes the most sense for you.
• Graduation Success: Most colleges like to taut the successes of their alumni – and this is valuable information for perspective students as well. Talk to the career center about how students from their school did landing paid internships, entry level jobs, or earning a promotion at their current job after graduating from the school. Also consider the dropout rate and how long it takes most students to finish up their degree.
• Cost of Tuition: Compare the cost of tuition between not only the online schools you’re interested in, but other nearby traditional universities to get an idea of whether or not the school you’re considering is a good value. Keep in mind, the cost of tuition can easily fluctuate from year to year – and typically it gets more expensive. If possible, look into how much the tuition has increased in the last four years at each school to see if the school is known for big tuition increases or if they try to keep their price steady.
• Fees and Other Extras: While you won’t have to worry about dorm cost or gas money spent driving to and from campus, there are always additional fees to be aware exist. This starts with the application fee and goes all the way until the cost to print your diploma at the end. While these fees may not be make or break, they’re still important to consider.

Finding the best online college in terms of value isn’t just about being the cheapest education out there – it’s about balancing your needs, expectations, and future goals with the cost of tuition at schools that can help you get to where you want to be professionally.

The Best Online Colleges by Value

University of California Riverside

Both the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance rank this California university among the nation’s best values for undergraduate education. In addition to strong academic and research programs and very reasonable tuition, the school boasts a high graduation rate, a diverse student body, very low average student debt, high student satisfaction and a commitment to making education affordable through student financial aid.

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Yeshiva University

Ranked among the country’s 50 best values in college education by U.S. News and World Report, Yeshiva University is known for its excellent academics and world-class research opportunities. The school has a strong Jewish tradition and a satellite campus in Israel. In 2010, 95 percent of Yeshiva’s graduates were employed or pursuing graduate education within six months of graduation.

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Dartmouth College

U.S. News and World Report ranks Dartmouth among the 10 best values in the nation for undergraduate education. A member of the prestigious Ivy League, Dartmouth offers stellar academics and top-flight research facilities. The school guarantees each student sufficient financial aid to fully meet his or her financial need and offers a competitive matching program for financial aid offers.

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Thomas Aquinas College

Both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review consider Thomas Aquinas College one of the best values in undergraduate education in the United States. The school’s tuition is among the lowest in the nation, and the average student graduates with little debt. Known for excellent academics and a strong community atmosphere, the school guarantees that it will provide enough financial aid to meet the demonstrated financial need of each of its students.

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University of Chicago

Honored for being one of the nation’s best college values by the Princeton Review, the University of Chicago is also ranked fourth among all national universities by U.S. News and World Report. The school is world-renowned as a research and teaching institution, and its student-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1 demonstrates its commitment to providing individual attention to each student.

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Louisiana State University

Both the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance commend this university for the excellent value it offers its students. In addition to providing a superior education at a reasonable price, the school offers a vibrant campus, great athletic programs and superior research facilities. Student debt is fairly low, and the school provides generous aid packages to those who qualify.

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Liberty University

This well-known conservative Christian college is famous for its close-knit community and its values-driven educational philosophy. With annual undergraduate tuition and fees totaling less than $20,000, Liberty is less expensive than the average private college. For students looking for a Christian school where they can get a quality education for a reasonable price, Liberty University is a good choice.

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Everglades University

With annual tuition and fees totaling approximately $14,000, Everglades University is much less expensive than most other private colleges in the nation. The small school offers both in-person and distance learning options to please both traditional students and working professionals. With small class sizes, high student satisfaction and career-focused instruction, Everglades University provides good value for the price.

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Oregon State University

Named one of the country’s best values in college education by the Princeton Review, Oregon State University offers excellent academic and athletic programs, beautiful facilities, opportunities for research and the nation’s best forestry school. The university is also known for being a leader in the use of renewable energy.

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Boston University

Both the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance list Boston University as a best value school because it provides an excellent education at a reasonable price. The school is ranked among the top 100 universities in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report, and it is known for its superior academic, research and athletic programs as well as its vibrant urban campus.

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UC Santa Barbara

Ranked among the nation’s 20 best values in public education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, UC Santa Barbra is also listed as one of the 50 best national universities and one of the 10 best public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The school is considered a Public Ivy because it is one of the country’s top public research and academic universities.

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University of Texas – Austin

This Texas university ranks among the top 50 universities in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review lists it as one of the country’s best values for college education. One of the largest schools in the United States, this university boasts a bustling urban campus, superior academic, research and athletic programs and an impressive variety of student activities.

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University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Ranked as one of the country’s 100 best values in public education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the university offers small classes, a choice of nearly 90 academic majors, a thriving extracurricular program and a variety of research opportunities. Tuition for Wisconsin residents is under $9,000 per year, and the annual out-of-state tuition is under $17,000.

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University of North Carolina – Asheville

Ranked among the nation’s best educational values by the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, this university is also one of the country’s best liberal arts colleges according to U.S. News and World Report. The university offers small classes, a beautiful campus and excellent academic programs.

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Longwood University

Named one of the country’s best values in college education by the Princeton Review, Longwood University also has a place among the top public universities in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. The Virginia school boasts a beautiful campus, rigorous academic programs and a commitment to providing students with real-world experience through a school-wide internship program.

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Evergreen State College

The Fiske Guide to Colleges named Evergreen State College to its list of best college buys because the school offers students exceptional educational value for their tuition dollars. Known for its innovative approach to college education, this Washington school focuses on collaborative learning and offers integrated programs rather than individual courses and narrative evaluations rather than grades.

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University of North Carolina – Wilmington

Ranked among the 50 best values in American public education, this university is committed to integrating research and mentoring with undergraduate teaching. The school boasts excellent facilities, a top-notch faculty and a beautiful coastal campus. Tuition for in-state students is less than $7,000 per year, and out-of-state students pay around $18,000 per year.

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University of Missouri – Kansas City

The Princeton Review ranks this university as one of the 75 best values in American public education. The school is known for its commitment to providing an affordable education and prioritizing the needs of its students. Current students praise the school’s excellent academics and caring atmosphere.

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Truman State University

Given this school’s national reputation for affordability and high academic standards, it is no surprise that Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranks Truman State University among the top 20 values in public higher education in the United States. The Missouri school prides itself on engaging students through small classes, group projects, internship programs and research opportunities.

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California Institute of Technology

Hailed as one the nation’s five best undergraduate values by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the California Institute of Technology is also ranked among the top 10 universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The school is world-renowned for excellence in education and research in science and engineering.

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Appalachian State University

Known for its affordability and value, Appalachian State University has earned the distinction of appearing on the best buy lists of Forbes, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review. In addition to low tuition, this North Carolina school boasts one of the highest rates of student satisfaction in the nation and offers excellent academic programs, a commitment to undergraduate research and highly regarded business and nursing programs.

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Randolph College

Included on the Princeton Review’s list of best values in college education, this private Virginia school is committed to undergraduate teaching. The school offers small class sizes, a large variety of extracurricular activities, a strong athletic program, international programs, cooperative career opportunities and custom degree options.

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University of Richmond

One of only two private colleges in Virginia to be named to the Princeton Review’s list of best values for undergraduate education, the University of Richmond is ranked among the top 30 liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The school is known for its beautiful campus and commitment to academic excellence.

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Swartmore College

Topping both the Princeton Review’s list of best values in private undergraduate education and the list of best values in liberal arts education from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Swarthmore College is also ranked third among all liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The Pennsylvania school is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to both academic rigor and social responsibility.

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University of Central Florida

Listed by both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review as a top value in public education, the University of Central Florida is the nation’s second-largest university. The school offers over 200 degree programs and provides students with excellent academic opportunities, an extensive selection of extracurricular options and a diverse environment that fosters learning.

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The College of New Jersey

Included on lists of best buys in college education by both the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the College of New Jersey is one of the best schools in the Northeast for students who want an excellent education for a reasonable price. The school boasts a stellar academic reputation, a well-respected teacher training program, an acclaimed business program and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

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St. Olaf College

Named to the Princeton Review’s “Best Buy Colleges” list, St. Olaf College is a private Lutheran college with a strong academic tradition and a focus on the individual development of each of its students. The Minnesota school offers students an excellent liberal arts education, a wide selection of extracurricular activities and many opportunities to work cooperatively.

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State University of New York at New Paltz

Ranked among the 50 best values in public education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review, New Paltz State University of New York boasts a high four-year graduation rate, excellent academic programs and relatively low student debt. The school is known for its beautiful campus and its committed faculty.

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Indiana University

Ranked among the 40 best values in public undergraduate education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Indiana University is also ranked among the 100 best national universities by U.S. News and World Report. The university is known for having a vibrant atmosphere, excellent academic programs and strong athletics. The school’s Bloomington campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country

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University of Colorado

Smart Money Magazine ranks the University of Colorado among the nation’s top 20 colleges for earnings by graduates, and both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review rank it among the best public education values in the nation. The school is known for excellence in research, academics and athletics.

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College of Charleston

Included among the nation’s best college values by the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the College of Charleston has also won places on Parade Magazine’s list of the nation’s best small public schools and Newsweek’s list of the country’s most interesting schools. Located in beautiful Charleston, S.C., the college is known for creating a small-school atmosphere despite its moderate size.

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Brandeis University

Ranked among U.S. News and World Report’s top 50 national universities, Brandies University has also been hailed as one of the country’s best private education values by both the Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. A world-class research university, Brandeis has the comfortable atmosphere of a small liberal arts school.

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The College of William and Mary

Both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review rank this Virginia college among the country’s 10 best values in public education. Located in historic Williamsburg, Va., this school has a long and proud tradition of academic rigor, and the College of William and Mary has an unparalleled commitment to undergraduate teaching.

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Knox College

One of the country’s best values in private education according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Knox College is known for providing a top-quality education at an affordable price. The Illinois school boasts engaged faculty members, a high student satisfaction rate and a strong community atmosphere. In addition, Knox College provides students with the opportunity to design their own academic programs to fit their goals.

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Centre College

Named one of the top undergraduate values in the nation by both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review, Centre College is also ranked among the top 20 universities in the country by The Alumni Factor. The Kentucky school is famous for its strong educational programs, high graduate satisfaction rate, career-focused internship programs and abundant student research opportunities.

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Carleton College

Included on the Princeton Review’s prestigious list of best values in college education, Carleton College is also ranked among the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Located in Northfield, Minn., this small private school is known for its friendly atmosphere, engaged faculty and extracurricular opportunities.

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University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

Known for providing an exceptional education for an affordable price, this university is ranked among the top public schools in the nation for value by the Princeton Review. In addition to traditional learning, the school is committed to providing students with opportunities for hands-on, high-impact learning through real-world experiences, internships, research projects and other programs.

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Harvey Mudd College

Named one of the nation’s best values in higher education by both Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Princeton Review, Harvey Mudd College is also ranked among the top 15 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The California school offers world-class programs in engineering, mathematics and the sciences and is committed to producing scientists who have a general understanding of the liberal arts, sciences and social sciences.

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Binghamton University

Recognized as one of the nation’s 20 best public college values by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Binghamton University also ranks among the 100 best universities in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. The New York school offers superior academic programs, a learning community based on Oxford University’s college system, a beautiful wooded campus and excellent athletic programs.

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SUNY – Geneseo

Ranked among the nation’s 10 best college values by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and included on the Princeton Review’s list of best values in public education, this New York school provides a superb education for a reasonable price. The school offers excellent teaching by engaged faculty members, senior experiences in almost every academic department, a high rate of student satisfaction and a variety of extracurricular opportunities.

The post Best Online Colleges By Value appeared first on Frugal Dad.

According to a New York Times report, federal education data shows that over the last few years have seen a surge in the number of Americans that have graduated from college. This surge represents a new high water mark in the number of Americans with a college degree. After more than two decades of slow college completion rates, which caused the U.S. to fall behind other countries, leading politicians from both parties, including President Obama, to bang higher education war drums.

The Times reports that last year, more than a third of Americans between the ages 25 to 29 had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is in comparison to 1995, when only 24.7 percent had completed as much colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In 1975, the share was 21.9 percent. The number of two-year college degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates earned have also seen recent increases, which appear to be driven both by a sharp rise in college enrollment and by an improvement among colleges in graduating students.

College attendance has increased in the past decade partly because of the new types of jobs that have been created in the digital age, which have increased the wage gap between degree holders and everyone else. The recent recession, which pushed more workers of all ages to take shelter on college campuses while the job market was poor, has also played a role.

The attainment of bachelor’s degrees has risen much faster for young women in the past decade than for young men. It has also risen among young whites, blacks and Hispanics, though relatively little among Asians, who already had the highest rate of college completion. The share of people with a college degree also varies tremendously by state, with 48.1 percent of people ages 25 to 34 in Massachusetts holding a bachelor’s degree, but just 20.4 percent in Nevada, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, a research and development center founded to improve management at colleges.

Despite the recent improvement, higher education experts emphasized that college completion rates were still distressingly low, with only about half of first-time college freshmen who enrolled in 2006 having graduated by 2012, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.
The recent jump in college graduation mirrors similar increases in educational attainment during previous severe downturns, economists said. For example, the G.I. Bill created a second surge in educational investment after World War II, which also helped fuel the postwar economic boom. In those cases, however, education was free or very cheap; college today is not.

Cost may be one reason that college completion has not risen nearly as much for low-income students, many of whom take on large amounts of debt and often do not graduate. The share of 24-year-olds from low-income families who hold college degrees has remained relatively flat over the last several decades, Tom Mortenson, a higher education policy analyst with the newsletter Postsecondary Education Opportunity, told the Times.

According to Mortenson, low-income students are less likely to graduate from high school than more affluent students, less likely to enroll in college after high school and less likely to graduate from college after enrolling. Only about 1 out of 10 Americans whose parents were in the lowest income quartile held four-year college degrees by age 24 in 2011; the comparable share for people from the highest quartile was about 7 in 10.

Some of the recent increase in college completion has come among students who enroll in college, or return to it, at older ages, and experts say any future increases will probably need to come among this group as well, given its growth potential.

For-profit colleges — despite being more expensive and having lower completion rates than other colleges — are taking in many of these older and lower-income students. The increase in college degrees is likely to fuel a debate about the wisdom of having so many people flock to college, given high debt levels and stories of unemployed graduates who are stuck on their parents’ couches.

Many economists point out that college graduates have fared much better than their less-educated peers and argue that rising educational levels will help the economy in the long run. Since the recession began in December 2007, the number of Americans with bachelor’s degrees who have jobs has risen by 9 percent, while employment has fallen for everyone else.

The unemployment rate for graduates of four-year colleges between the ages of 25 and 34 was 3.3 percent in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For high school graduates in the same age group who had not attended college, it was 11.8 percent.

Today’s premium for college degrees is caused partly by increasing selectiveness among employers about whom they hire and screening based on education even for positions that do not require higher skills. But jobs themselves have changed, too, and more require the sophisticated levels of education and technical savvy that typically can only be achieved through a college degree.

The post More Americans Are Graduating from College appeared first on Frugal Dad.

Pizza Man Pizza helps to make University of Hawaii at Hilo gastronomically exceptional.

There are a lot of reasons to choose one college over another: stellar academics, cost, universal respect, great sports teams, close to home, better career prospects. But, to paraphrase the old adage, food is a shortcut to a student’s heart. Some campuses are simply surrounded by better food than others. If you find your college decision to be gastronomically-driven, then one of the following schools may be a great choice for you.

University of Hawaii at Hilo
It may be a smaller and quieter outpost of the school’s main campus on Honolulu, but with year-round, locally-sourced seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits — and even grass-fed beef — it’s hard to go wrong with the food choices on the Big Island. The Hilo area boasts local farmers markets, traditional plate lunch joints and edgy, Pacific Rim fusion, as well as some the freshest sushi on the planet. As delicious as these myriad options may be, nothing gets the Hilo students hurrying toward lunch like pizza — specifically, the pies that Pizza Man Pizza serves out of its converted short-bus food truck. Pizza Man started out by cooking pizza to order on charcoal grills set up at local beaches. When demand exceeded capacity, they took to the food truck — before food trucks were all the rage they are today. With a strong loyal following in the Hilo/Pahoa area, Pizza Man Pizza has been responsible for keeping the belly of many a UHH student from rumbling during exams.

Colby College (Waterville, ME)
Some colleges are committed to locally-sourced foods for their on-campus dining options. When it comes to local, healthy choices, it’s hard to top Colby College, which uses tofu made from soybeans grown less than 20 miles away. This Waterville, Maine, institution serves local, family-made Heiwa tofu, displaying its commitment to the community. In addition to buying local, the college also sends produce from its student-run garden, 2 Feet 2 Bedrock, to local food pantries — as well as on-campus dining facilities. On the menu at Colby College: butternut squash and adzuki bean stew, meatball flatbread melt, and tomato grilled cheese. On the second Tuesday of each month, the dining halls will offer snacks at lunchtime to keep students energized throughout the day.

University of Wisconsin at Madison
Not only does the University of Wisconsin have impressive academics and athletics, it’s located in an outstanding city for food and drink. The Huffington Post notes that Madison is one of those great college towns that is dominated by its campus and student populations, but it still thrives in the summer when the students are gone. Great cultural opportunities abound in Madison, but food shines just as bright with places like The Old Fashioned and Harvest Restaurant. Students can hunker down at Bradbury’s Coffee for a study session over their famous crêpes and a cafe au lait. Students at UW Madison don’t even have to leave campus to have a relaxing evening. They can sit out on the student union’s deck, overlooking Lake Mendota, and linger over a pint of one of eastern Wisconsin’s renowned local beers.

University of California – Berkeley
If you don’t have the chop right out of high school to get into Berkeley, don’t fret: you can spend a couple years at another school getting good grades and then transfer. Or better yet, enroll in grad school. Because you don’t want to be at Berkeley, anyway, until you can enjoy the wine. Considering its proximity to food and wine hot spots San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Sonoma, it should come as no surprise that food-loving students should enroll in a Berkeley, California school. Inarguably, the best meal you can have (when your parents come to town) is at Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse. The Cheese Board Collective is a classic California cheese shop that grew into a bakery, serving muffins, cookies, specialty breads, and even pizzas. And for those times when savory just won’t cut it, Sweet Dreams Candy Store will cover all gummy, bonbon, taffy, and chocolate needs.

Ole Miss (Oxford, MS)
No list of college campuses near great food would be complete without some sort of entry from the south. Few towns in the south qualify as both a quintessential college town and a foodie haven like the University of Mississippi’s hometown of Oxford. In late October, before midterms and Thanksgiving vacations with the family, Oxford, Miss. hosts their annual BBQ Throwdown — just one of the many signs that Oxford has become a delicious college town. That Ole Miss throws one of the best tailgates in the country doesn’t hurt, either. Student budget-friendly places like Bottle Tree Bakery (for sweet potato and Andouille soup and gourmet pressed sandwiches) and Handy Andy (for pulled pork sandwiches and slices of apple pie) are student haunts. 208 is the perfect parents weekend dinner spot — or for a stop at their Martini Mondays.

The post Campus Food to Skip Class For appeared first on Frugal Dad.

One way to set yourself apart, and boost your earning potential over summer break, is to spend a few hundred bucks on a relatively-short training course in something that interests you — and pays well. If you play your cards right, you’ll earn back what you spent pretty quickly with the increased earning potential you’ll get from your certification. Using a fairly generous baseline of $10/hour, which is about how much you can earn after several months experience in a fast-food restaurant in a larger market, we’ll look at a few things you can do to increase your earning capacity, and maybe even have some fun, while you pursue your college degree.

Be A Yoga Instructor
Yoga has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Its low-impact poses and routines make it accessible across a wide range of ages and body types; while the more difficult techniques offer enough of a challenge to make pro athletes quake in exhaustion. Moreover, the median salary for a certified yoga instructor is around $15.00 per hour — 50 percent more than our unskilled baseline salary, and twice the minimum wage in most states. In addition, you stay in shape, meet people and can even branch off on your own to earn more money.

One area that is showing particular growth — and is a great way to get started in the field — is yoga for kids. Kids yoga requires additional certification, but the more you specialize, the more you can earn. Plus, kids and parents will not be as results-driven about their yoga instruction, so it will be more relaxed and fun for everyone. Chicago-based Global Family Yoga (GFY) offers a 95-hour certification program that can be completed through a their workshops, or for those with yoga experience, a mentored, on-line format. Global Family Yoga offers workshops outside the Chicago area and is a good general resource for those interested in yoga for kids.

Be a Personal Trainer
A personal trainer helps others in areas such as nutrition, exercise, goal setting, diets, lifestyle and more. It takes time to learn and develop the necessary education and skills needed to become a certified personal trainer. The amount of time depends on the individual’s prior experience, knowledge, and method for becoming a personal trainer.

Fitness organizations, such as the International Sports Sciences Association, offer an online personal training program for those interested in becoming a personal trainer. The program can take from four to six weeks to complete. The time frame is an estimation based on the average time taken for past enrollees. Once you have completed the online exam, it can take a few business days to receive your grade.

Personal training isn’t only about lifting weights. It has a clear business side, too, and how much money your trainer makes can vary widely. In some cases, what your trainer earns may not even have much to do with what you’re actually paying her.

According to the Salary.com, the median U.S. salary for a personal trainer is more than $50,000. As with many professions, experienced personal trainers with advanced training or certification who work with athletes or special needs populations stand to make more than a novice just starting out.

Web Analytics/SEO Specialist
A quick perusal of online jobs discloses quite a few requests for people familiar with search engine optimization (SEO), web advertising and web analytics. by far, the most widely used of these platforms is Google Analytics, along with Google AdSense and Ad Words. And guess what: Google offers a free, online certification classes for each of these in-demand skills. Once you’ve completed the curriculum, you take the Google IQ test — which costs $50 — and, BAM: tangible evidence of Google Analytics certification.

Even if you have something else going on, like another part-time job, you can work around your schedule with the flexible, asynchronous schedule that Google’s online delivery offers. Checkout Google’s FAQ site for more information.

The post These Summer Courses Can Help You Get a Better School-Year Job appeared first on Frugal Dad.

Dorm rooms have come a long way from this.

As public and private colleges across the country raise tuition, slash academic faculty and question need-blind admissions policies, they continue to spend in one surprising sector: student amenities. In a sort of vicious budgetary circle, schools need students — and their tuition dollars — to maintain quality academics. Research has shown, though, that one of the factors that can be make-or-break when it comes to school choice is what amenities the school offers to its students: state of the art computer and video labs; eating establishments; workout facilities — and dorm rooms. This has driven even state universities to spend big on luxurious dormitories.

This competition for students who have more sophisticated tastes than in past years is creating the perfect environment for schools to try to outdo each other with ever-more posh on-campus housing. Keeping up in the luxury dorm race is increasingly critical to a school’s bottom line: A 2006 study from the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers found that “poorly maintained or inadequate residential facilities” was the number-one reason students reject a school.

Private colleges get most of the mentions on lists of schools with great dorms, like ratings from the Princeton Review, College Prowler, and Campus Splash clearly indicate. However, a few state schools have invested in flashy facilities and are also starting to make some headway on such “Top” lists.

Upperclassmen on campus tend to get first choice of the best dorm rooms, but as the war for student dollars ratchets up, even first-year students at public schools can live in academic style. Regardless of where we, as frugal people, come down on the idea of collegiate spending on splashy dorm rooms, they are here to stay. And they play a major part in the collegiate decision-making process. The following are public schools that have some pretty fancy dorms

Penn State 
Penn State’s Eastview Terrace facility offers upperclassmen fully furnished single rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms are wired for TV cable, with dozens of popular channels and Internet access; there are also refrigerators and microwaves. All of the buildings have mail pickup and delivery.

Georgia State University
Freshmen predominate at GSU’s University Commons, a gated-community complex of 8- to 15-story apartment buildings. Residents get a fully furnished private room in a suite that includes either two or four bedrooms and one or two baths. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a living room. Bedrooms are wired with high-speed Ethernet, a high-speed voice link, and cable TV–wifi also is available throughout the complex. There’s also a convenience store, mail delivery, health clinic, and 24-hour security.

Colorado State University
CSU’s Academic Villages was built in 2007 to house first-year engineering and honors students. The facility boasts climate-controlled single or double rooms, each of which comes with its own bathroom. The building is also home to a 44,000-square-foot dining commons, which seats 700 and offers themed menus like Mongolian Grill, Sizzling Salads, Tex Mex and other selections. A fireside lounge offers a spot for study or chat around a roaring hearth during nippy Colorado winters – and forget waiting around in the laundry room for an open machine. High-tech washer-dryers let students check online for machine availability.

East Stroudsburg University (PA)
The Hemlock Suites at East Stroudsburg are a new, $74 million housing complex. Where the campus’s older dorms have shared bathrooms for up to 50 students, the new suites have their own bathrooms and up to four separate bedrooms. They’re also all climate controlled (the energy comes from a new geothermal heating and cooling system) and have brand-new movable furniture, cable, and a kitchenette. Computer labs and lounge spaces are available throughout the complex, and there are two full kitchens.

Purdue University (IN)
According to the architect of Purdue’s First Street Towers, the complex is “essentially a hotel” that was built to attract “helicopter parents who want to send their son or daughter to a college campus but give them all the luxuries of home.” Built in 2009 for $52 million, this dorm has single air-conditioned rooms with private baths arranged in clusters around a central living room-dinette area. Two student lounges on each floor offer 47-inch flat-screen TVs, custom-designed entertainment centers, and ceramic-tiled kitchenettes. For these extras residents pay a $5,000 premium a year, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Kennesaw State University (GA)
The water-featured University Village Suites at Kennesaw State, about half an hour north of Atlanta, is a freshmen-only complex that was built in 2008. The dorm offers students their own furnished bedroom and the option of their own bathroom. Each suite has a small common area, counter space, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Community kitchens are located throughout the complex, plus internet and cable. There’s also an art gallery, a restaurant and café, a coffee shop, and a convenience store.

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