Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about career and college planning follow.

Is financial aid available?

Federal financial aid is available to anyone attending an accredited learning institution. Financial aid applies to online students as well as traditional students. Additional, institution-based aid may be available depending on the school you choose. Contact your school's financial aid department for more information on institution-funded aid and scholarships.

Can I start classes at any time?

Enrollment dates vary by institution. Some colleges and universities follow traditional semester-based schedules, while others have more flexible enrollment policies. With some online schools, you may be able to enroll in classes at any time. Contact your admissions advisor or academic advisor for more information.

What prior training (or education) do I need to qualify for enrollment?

Every school has different admissions requirements, and these requirements also vary widely by degree program. Certain schools may require a high school degree, a passing score on a standardized test, and/or the completion of certain prerequisite courses. By contrast, some schools require only a high school degree for admission. Your school's admissions department or admissions advisor can tell you more.

How much will my courses cost?

The cost of your classes will depend on the school you choose, how many hours you take, the degree program in which you're enrolled, and, with some schools, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident. Once you find a school that interests you, you can consult with a financial aid or admissions officer to estimate your costs for your first semester or entire degree program.

Do I have to attend classes?

If you take traditional, campus-based courses, then yes, you must attend regularly if you expect to pass. On the other hand, if you enroll in online classes, attendance is defined by different terms. Attending class might simply mean logging in to your virtual classroom, participating in discussions, and completing assignments. Every class you take will define the parameters of attendance differently.

Are the programs accredited?

Complete College Planning partners with learning institutions of the highest caliber, which typically means fully accredited schools. However, accreditation requirements vary by discipline and degree program, so a college or university that is accredited in one field might not be accredited in another. For more details, check with your specific university or college to find out if your degree program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

Will I be able to transfer credits?

This is entirely up to the school you choose. Most schools accept some transfer credit as long as the courses were completed at an accredited institution. However, the acceptability of the transfer credits will also depend on whether the courses you completed are relevant to your current degree program. For more information, talk to an admission advisor from your school or department.

How long will it take me to graduate?

The length of your course of study will depend on the discipline you choose as well as the level of degree you wish to pursue. For instance, a bachelor's degree, pursued either traditionally or online, typically takes 3-5 years to complete. On the other hand, a master's degree may take anywhere from one year to three years to finish. With all degrees and fields of study, the more courses you take at one time, the faster you will finish.

How experienced are the instructors?

Typical campus-based schools require instructors to have at least a master's degree in the subject they teach. More commonly, professors must have a doctorate degree in their field to qualify. The requirements for online instructors are somewhat different. In addition to the typical education requirements, many online colleges and universities also require a certain amount of work experience from their instructors in a field relevant to the subject taught. For example, some online universities require their instructors to be employed full time in their respective fields in addition to having the requisite academic credentials.

What degrees and accreditations are available?

The possibilities for your degree and field of study are virtually limitless. With two-year institutions, a wide variety of certificates and associate's degrees are available. With four-year institutions, students can choose from a number of fields at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. The specifics of the accreditations will depend on the nature of the institution and the degree program you choose.

Will I have an advisor?

Yes. Even if you go no further than our site, we have trained academic advisors standing by on our site for our visitors to consult at any time. Once you select a school, you will most likely be assigned an academic advisor based on your scholastic interests. Your advisor can help you plan your class schedule, estimate the length of your study plan, and map out how to qualify for graduation.