Online Schools in New York

New York is an education powerhouse. Its State University of New York (SUNY) is the largest university system in the United States, and its private schools like are well respected worldwide. But while New York's schools have historically provided stellar educations, state budget woes may soon make them unaffordable.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, New York has made sweeping cuts to higher education while increasing its tuition by an unprecedented 14 percent in one year. That's only the beginning. The New York Times reports that Governor David Patterson's proposed 2010-11 budget would cut student aid by a whopping $1 billion and allow state schools to raise tuition without legislative approval.

Thankfully, New York online schools offer a promising alternative to cash-strapped colleges. While costs vary from one institution to the next, online schools in New York are typically affordable, which allows students to:

• Continue to work (even full time), thanks to flexible scheduling and zero commute
• Live in more affordable communities, even if they're far from traditional campus-based schools
• Shop around for the best deals without concern for geography

Types of Degrees You Can Earn from Online Schools in New York

If you think the web-based format of New York online schools limits what you can study, you're in for a surprise. Students can find online programs in virtually any discipline. Even traditionally hands-on or lab-intensive majors are often available in hybrid formats that combine online and face-to-face instruction.

Online schools in New York can lead to practically any education credential, including:

• High school diplomas or GEDs
• Associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
• Professional certifications
• Continuing education units

Remember that you can always begin your education online and transfer to a campus-based school later. According to a report by the Sloan Consortium, more colleges than ever accept online transfer units.

Benefits of Attending New York Online Schools

In addition to providing an excellent alternative to the state's increasingly expensive schools, online schools in New York are also affordable and offer:

Convenience. Online education allows you to study anywhere, anytime; you can even keep your full-time job.

Efficiency. The convenience of online schools means you can adjust your course load to graduate faster.

Options. Students can find online programs in virtually any subject.

Credibility. Thanks to an improved accreditation process, online schools are more mainstream and respected than ever before.

These perks can make student life easier to manage, but the greatest benefits come after graduation when graduates can look forward to:

• A competitive edge in the workforce
• Higher salaries
• Faster career advancement

Job Opportunities for Degree-Holders in New York

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York's unemployment rate has declined steadily through 2010, but continuing layoffs are still impacting workers. Improve your career potential by preparing for a job in one of the following industries, including:

• Banking and finance
• Communications
• Health care
• Education
• Tourism and hospitality
• Information technology

According to a 2010 BLS report, health care, education, and hospitality are three of the few industries actually growing, while finance, information technology, and communications faced only slight declines.