According to this recently published AP article, nationwide cutbacks in public education funding have forced colleges to lay off instructors and eliminate classes, making it even harder for students to fulfill their school’s requirements and graduate within their desired timeframe. Because there is so little space available, many students aren’t even able to register full-time and run the risk of losing much-needed financial aid. Some schools are leaving it up to their professors to decide whether or not to take on extra students, but even those willing to accept the added responsibility cannot accept just everyone; worse yet, some professors who do expand their class sizes admit that because of such a large number of students in each class, those who need help won’t necessarily receive the specialized help necessary to keep up with the rest of the class. When interviewed, fifth-year California State-East Bay senior Sherrie Canedo responded to the situation by stating “I don’t feel that’s an acceptable way to learn.” And she is absolutely right.
Online education offers students like Sherrie, who are largely victims of circumstances beyond their control, a chance to get the degree they want without having to put up with the politics often involved with traditional post-secondary institutes. Students don’t have to worry about overfilled classrooms and not receiving the attention they deserve, because situations like that simply don’t exist with distance learning. If a student needs help with a particular topic, a professor will be on hand to assist in whatever way is necessary. If dealing with the repercussions of bureaucratic interference isn’t necessary, why put up with it? Penn Foster courses offer students specialized care and educational freedom that many colleges cannot help but surrender in times of economic cutbacks and downsizing. So if you’re worried that you’re going to end up paying more for an education that is only sub-par, look at Penn Foster as the alternative: personal, affordable, and professional, just like college should be.