This article isn’t an endorsement of Andrew Jackson University, rather it is our way of shining the light on the various happenings across academia.

Probably the most important concern for students and their parents when it comes to college is how to pay for it. Indeed, even when scholarships and grant money is offered tuition bills can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Thus, when we learned that a school based in Alabama has a program in place that charges no tuition, our interest was naturally piqued.

As a backgrounder, Andrew Jackson University or AJU is a for-profit, online or distance learning school. AJU offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Business and Criminal Justice, with Communication, Public Administration, Health Care Management, and Psychology among the other degrees offered. Formed in 1994, the university has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Sponsored Tuition Program Now Available

In a novel way of helping students cover the cost of their tuition, AJU has developed a sponsored tuition program where private companies cover tuition costs in exchange for enrollment in their programs. Three companies are currently acting as sponsors; I chose one of them when I signed up which involved me sharing minimal personal information about myself (email, phone, address). You are required to pay a $75 application fee to enroll and, if accepted into the program you’re responsible for covering the cost of your books and certain fees.

AJU President Don Kassner explained the university’s zero tuition program in a recently released press release by saying, “Most universities spend a tremendous amount of money to recruit students. Many spend as much as thirty-five percent of their revenue on marketing and advertising. They have to keep their tuition high to recover these costs. We eliminated these costs by structuring relationships with strategic partners that refer potential students to us. Therefore, we can operate a quality, degree granting institution without the escalating tuition and excessive fees deemed necessary by many schools.”

AJU’s sponsored tuition program is currently limited to one hundred students per month, but the university has plans to increase that number gradually over time.

(Source: Andrew Jackson University)

Related Information

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Adv. — Is your family experiencing a financial shortfall this academic year? Scholarships, grants, 529 money, and part time work may not be enough. Learn about private student loans by visiting SayStudent.com, your portal for college financial assistance. We have free tools for your download and updated information about current college financing requirements.

Tags: Alabama, Andrew Jackson University, associates degree, Bachelor's Degree, Birmingham, distance learning, internet, masters degree

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Here’s a thought: you’re in college and are frustrated with your major, even dissatisfied with your school. You’re contemplating quitting, perhaps heading out to the work world in pursuit of a career and some money. After all, Bill Gates never finished college and look where that got him.

Though entertaining thoughts of quitting college can certainly be appealing, it could leave you vulnerable. Specifically, you may end up being passed over for a promotion simply because you didn’t finish college.

Co-Workers Say They Know Someone Who Was Passed Over For A Promotion

In a recent study conducted by eLearners.com and Kelton Research, respondents were asked several questions about employment, specifically their personal knowledge of the work environment. 19% of the people surveyed revealed that they knew of at least one person who didn’t get a promotion for not having a college degree, with 13% saying that they knew of a co-worker who didn’t get promoted because their education level was less than desirous.

“The statistics from this study confirm what has widely been known, not only is a degree critical to getting a job, but it is also key to advancing in one’s career,” said Terrence Thomas, EVP Marketing Operations at EducationDynamics. “And given the current economic climate, a degree might be needed just to keep your job.”

People Surveyed Admit That A Lack Of Education Has Hurt Them

When people were asked if they were passed over for a promotion themselves, the response was a bit different, but still significant: fully 9% of those surveyed said that they themselves lost the opportunity for a better job because they were unqualified academically.

“The message is loud and clear, that in today’s competitive job market, if you don’t have the right education others will pass you by,” continued Thomas.

“We found that 22% of people who started college but didn’t finish have been denied a job, raise or a promotion. What is shocking is that workers are telling us that not having a degree is becoming a significant roadblock in their careers.”

Stay In School

Clearly, the survey reveals two important points about higher education: a degree is still valuable when seeking career advancement and, if you’re already in college, then completing your studies is the way to go.

(Source: eLearners.com)

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Tip – Is a lack of money keeping you from finishing your college education? Consider Federal Pell Grants which never have to be repaid or a work study program offered through your school. Upper classmen can sometimes find work as a professor’s assistant while private student loans and Stafford loans offer ways for you to borrow money which can be paid off after you graduate.

Tags: bachelor degree, College Budgeting, college degree, college education, college scholarships, Federal Pell Grant, masters degree, private student loans, stafford loans, university