STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Most parents tell their kids education is the best way to success. People of all ages are hoping that holds true in this economic recession.

There are several different ways someone can earn that all important degree. They could go to a four year university like Penn State, try out a two year associates program at South Hills Business School, or maybe go to school from the comfort of your own home at the University of Phoenix.

The recent economic downturn has more folks than ever thinking now is the time to get or finish a degree.

“Because of the economic times that we're in, we have seen a rise in the number of returning adults,” David Schaitkin, Education Director at South Hills Business School, said.

Having that degree in your hands could pay off. Bureau of Labor statistics show a person with a bachelor's degree makes almost twice as much as person with just a high school diploma. College is not just about large lecture halls and tree lined sidewalks.
Schaitkin said getting a job is what graduating from that school is all about.


“This past year we had close to an 85 percent placement record, and that is in field. The graduates of our school, the vast majority of them, graduate and are placed in our field,” Schaitkin said.

At Penn State life outside the classroom can be just as important as life inside of it.

“For a student who's looking for the real residential college experience, there's no question Penn State is a real experience for the, but that's not what everybody is looking for,” Don Heller

At the University of Phoenix, the classroom can be your living room, the school offers most of its degrees through online course program.

Each school is quick to point out what they feel sets them apart.

“I think it's fair to say, in general, a Penn State degree carries a lot of value,” Heller said.

“We are a hands on school, we give them a hands on education in the different fields that we work in,” Schaitkin said.

Right now, nothing is more important to a perspective student than cost. For an online business degree from University of Phoenix you can expect to write a check for a little more than $60,000. It will take about $28,000 for a student to make it through South Hills in two years. A four year undergraduate degree at University Park will set a student back about $60,000. That is assuming that student is a Pennsylvania resident.

However, a truly dedicated Nittany Lion could speed that process up.

“Somebody could really accelerate and get a bachelors degree which normally takes four years in much less than that if they really want to work hard and take more courses, particularly if they are willing to go during the summers they can finish in much less than four years,” Heller said.

Each of these schools says it can cater to a student’s specific learning needs, whether you are 19 or 99.

A personal visit might be the best way to decide which school is the right fit, and most schools offer free tours and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.