Online Schools in Idaho

Students in Idaho may be facing a tuition hike of nearly 10 percent in 2011, which could cost full-time students $495 more per year. State budget crunches might mean a combination of fee hikes and funding reductions, which could leave Idaho students shouldering a greater portion of their educational costs.

Why Choose Online Education in Idaho?

Online schools in Idaho may be one way to avoid the budget crunch without leaving the state. Online schools are often less dependent on state funding, meaning they have more flexibility to weather tough economic times. As online education expands to offer a greater range of degree programs, it is becoming increasingly accepted by employers. One survey found that 83 percent of executives believed that an online degree is as credible as a campus-based degree.

Accredited online schools in Idaho allow you to earn your degree at a time and pace that is convenient for you and avoid the tuition hikes or service reductions facing campus-programs in Idaho.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn from Online Schools in Idaho

You can earn all sorts of degrees online--from a high school diploma to a master's degree. Whether you want to start off with a two-year associate's degree in computer programming or you're looking to advance your career with a master's degree in nursing, Idaho online schools have a program for you.

Do you think you'd like a little classroom interaction? Look for a hybrid degree program, which allows you to take some classes online and some on a campus in Idaho. You can get the best of both worlds--flexibility with personal attention and networking opportunities.

Benefits of Attending Idaho Online Schools

You might be thinking that after 13 years of school, you'd rather jump into earning a salary. Or you might think you don't have the time for college courses. But your financial future is significantly affected by your level of education. Take into consideration the following 2009 statistics reported by the Idaho Department of Labor:

• The average Idahoan with a two-year degree or vocational training earns about $19.17 an hour--that's about 57 percent higher than the Idahoan who has not continued his or her education past high school.
• In Idaho, $27.01 is the average hourly wage for an employee with a bachelor's degree.

In addition to a higher salary, a degree makes your resume more attractive to employers. Plus, at Idaho online schools, you can keep your full-time job and work in classes around your schedule.

Job Opportunities for Degree-Holders in Idaho

According to the Idaho Department of Labor (labor.idaho.gov), wages in the state are on the rebound. 2009 wages were up just slightly from 2008--0.6 percent. While jobs in agriculture and mining seem to have been particularly hard hit in Idaho by the recession, jobs in high-tech fields like information technology saw wage increases of 4.1 percent--well above the state average.

The department lists the following as the top 10 hot jobs in Idaho--the fastest growing occupations with the highest pay between 2008 and 2010:

1. Mangers (Required education: work experience. Median hourly wage: $32.80)
2. Registered nurses (Required education: associate's degree. Median hourly wage: $26.58)
3. Management analysts (Required education: bachelor's degree or higher. Median hourly wage: $30.00)
4. Construction managers (Required education: bachelor's degree. Median hourly wage: $29.98)
5. Lawyers (Required education: first professional degree. Median hourly wage: $40.17)
6. Postsecondary teachers (Required education: doctoral degree. Median hourly wage: $27.79)
7. Pharmacists (Required education: First professional degree. Median hourly wage: $47.48)
8. Writers and authors (Required education: Bachelor's degree. Median hourly wage: $25.96)
9. Farm, ranch, and other agricultural managers (Required education: bachelor's degree or higher. Median hourly wage: $26.91)
10. Clinical counseling and school psychologists (Required education: doctoral degree. Median hourly wage: $26.19)

As you can see, each of these hot careers have education requirements. Idaho online schools can prepare you for a future in one of these (or any number of other) career paths. Check out schools and programs to get started today.