Picking a school, would like input!(not univ.) (loans, schools)

[Unretired]

Hello all-

I'm 25, mostly employed in the tech field. I would like to take the time now to advance my education, but i'm not exactly sure what direction would be best for me? My options are N.O.V.A/GMU(after a year), or any one of the hundreds of technical institutes in the area.

I've been employed as a support tech for the past few years, and still strongly enthralled with this field. However without personal growth, i'm sure a plateau is on the horizon.

My question is.. does it make sense financially/occupationally, to pursue a 4year degree at this point versus whats offered at a technical school(ITT, Westwood etc.)

In all likelihood I will be taking out loans to pay for school either way. So i would really like to be smart with my money.

Lastly, this seems to be a relatively intelligent forum which is why i posted this here, but if anyone can suggest one better suited.. please interject.

Thanks!

[oneasterisk]

How about going the certification route? It's cheaper and quicker than going for a full degree. I'm 29 and and don't have a college degree, but I have a few computer certifications that work well in the support field. Most of the certifications I just read books/manuals and with hands knowledge I was able to pass the tests. Some tests require taking the course from the certifying company though. Tests costs vary, but usually $100-$300.

I'm not saying don't go for the degree, just another option/addition.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Unretired

Hello all-

I'm 25, mostly employed in the tech field. I would like to take the time now to advance my education, but i'm not exactly sure what direction would be best for me? My options are N.O.V.A/GMU(after a year), or any one of the hundreds of technical institutes in the area.

I've been employed as a support tech for the past few years, and still strongly enthralled with this field. However without personal growth, i'm sure a plateau is on the horizon.

My question is.. does it make sense financially/occupationally, to pursue a 4year degree at this point versus whats offered at a technical school(ITT, Westwood etc.)

In all likelihood I will be taking out loans to pay for school either way. So i would really like to be smart with my money.

Lastly, this seems to be a relatively intelligent forum which is why i posted this here, but if anyone can suggest one better suited.. please interject.

Thanks!

On the ITT/Westwood-type schools, just dont do it. Those are for-profit schools that employers have zero respect for.

NOVA/GMU may take longer but if you are going to take out loans why not go to a well respected university instead of a degree mill?

[live_strong28]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

How about going the certification route? It's cheaper and quicker than going for a full degree. I'm 29 and and don't have a college degree, but I have a few computer certifications that work well in the support field. Most of the certifications I just read books/manuals and with hands knowledge I was able to pass the tests. Some tests require taking the course from the certifying company though. Tests costs vary, but usually $100-$300.

I'm not saying don't go for the degree, just another option/addition.

You should be commended for your efforts, but for the most part, those without degrees suffer the most during recessions and downturns in the economy. Also, those without degrees are less likely to advance in the workplace due to restrictions/minimum qualification requirements. This is most evident in the government.

[oneasterisk]

Originally Posted by live_strong28

You should be commended for your efforts, but for the most part, those without degrees suffer the most during recessions and downturns in the economy. Also, those without degrees are less likely to advance in the workplace due to restrictions/minimum qualification requirements. This is most evident in the government.

Well I guess I'm an exception to the rule 'cause I've been doing very well during the "recession" and even before it. I've been a gov't contractor for almost 10yrs now and I've advanced through the ranks quite nicely. I've also been offered a gov't position more than once, and in the past have turned it down because the private sectore pays better. I've recently been approached again, and this time I think I will transition to a federal position just because it's a little more stable.

Don't get me wrong, I will eventually get my 4yr degree but I don't think it's absolutely necessary to be successful in life. I think what's key is to make yourself irreplaceable in your company, work hard and create lasting relationships with your coworkers. You have those 3 things and it's going to be tough for management to put you on the cutting block. I've built my career on others being lazy and hard to work with...