Two-Year Degrees: An Option On The Rise

Graduates from two-year schools are currently in high demand. Did you know that they not only spend less on education but are also eligible for financial aid?
The two-year degree boom is on. The U.S. Department of Education?s National Center for Education Statistics estimates that by the end of 2005, more than 6.1 million students will have enrolled in degree-granting two-year institutions. In addition, some of the most in-demand jobs in the country require only associate-degree training, and many, such as electrician, machinist, construction worker, are considered recession-proof. The fact is only 23 percent of jobs in the 21st century require a four-year degree, says Kenneth C. Gray, a professor of work force education and development at Penn State University.

On top of being able to land a great job, two-year degree holders pay a fraction of what most students pay for a four-year degree. Latest statistics from the College Board show that the average annual tuition at a four-year private college is $20,082 while two years at a public two-year institution averages $2,076.
When it comes to financial aid, four-year college students are not the only ones who qualify, those attending trade, technical, vocational, two-year, and career colleges also qualify for funding. The College Board reports that grant aid averaged about $2,300 per student for those attending two-year public colleges. Schools that offer federal financing have to be accredited and the U.S. Department of Education provides a list of accredited institutions at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/index.asp. Just as with four-year students, two-year students who want a piece of the aid pie usually must file the FAFSA.
Lenders are increasingly helping the two-year student as well. SallieMae (www.salliemae.com) offers very specific private loans for career training, and U.S. Bank just introduced the CampUS Education Loan specifically for those attending two-year schools.
For a complete list of more than 1,000 two-year campus links visit http://cset.sp.utoledo.edu/twoyrcol.html. Also visit the National Technical Trade School Association at www.appxs.com/national-technical-trade-school-association.shtml
Source: careersandcolleges.com