[January 14, 2013]

Ring in the New Year and the "New You" at University of Redlands School of Business

Did you know that one of the top 10 New Year's resolutions is to return to college If this goal made your list, there has never been a better time to contact the School of Business at the University of Redlands and invest in your own success-this could be your year.

Completing your bachelor's or advanced degree can help secure your economic future by pushing you to the top of the list when seeking a new career or promotion. But if the prospect of returning to college-and the associated financial outlay-feels like jumping off of your own fiscal cliff, there are steps you can take to ensure a solid return on your investment.

As you ring in the new year, and the "new you," consider these four helpful tips from the University of Redlands School of Business.

1. Credit for Life Experience Whoever claimed the best instruction is learned on the job was onto something. Even if you haven't sat in a classroom in years, your work experience, military training, employer-based training or other experiential learning may qualify toward college credit. While many institutions charge for the evaluation/assessment service, the University of Redlands' School of Business does not. It is possible to earn up to 30 assessed credits within the School of Business undergraduate program by enrolling in just one 3-unit class and going through the school's Prior Learning Assessment process. This could translate into significant savings of time and tuition.

2. Transferable Credit It may seem like a lifetime ago, but courses you took before may still transfer and are easily validated through an admissions counselor. Or, if you are taking a class here and there, be sure to keep transferability in mind when registering for continuing education courses-not all continuing studies and extension courses offer transferable units. If you decide to enroll in a bachelor's program down the road, you will want your time in the classroom to perform double duty. At the University of Redands, Continuing Studies offers many valuable course and certificate options, all with transferable units.

3. Choose the school that's right for you-and with the best reputation. While many higher education institutions offer working professionals online and evening courses, not all offer the quality and reputation your career may need, so do your homework before enrolling. Many prestigious schools have tailored their degree programs for adult students' needs. And remember, accreditation and national rankings matter. For example, the University of Redlands is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is highly ranked, and alumni salaries are among the highest ranked in the nation according to Payscale.com.

4. What is it going to cost Private schools may appear expensive, but more financial aid options, grants and scholarships are often available to their students. And tuition aid isn't just for teenage dependents. Financial aid is available to adults who return to college, and there are some scholarships that can help reduce the cost, such as the University of Redlands' new $2,600 Success Scholarship. Another form of aid that's only available to adult students is the employee education assistance many corporations offer. Since it's fiscally prudent for employers to train staff rather than hire a new employee, it's a win-win for both parties. And don't forget the IRS's Lifetime Learning Credit when tax time rolls around.

If you're ready to make a career move, or take significant steps forward for your own future, this may be your year!

Call 1-888-999-9844 to ask about the new $2,600 Success Scholarship program at the University of Redlands School of Business and for information about military tuition discounts and financial aid.

About the University of Redlands School of Business

The School of Business at the University of Redlands offers an environment of elevated learning, with graduate and undergraduate degree completion programs tailored to the needs of working adults and professionals. With nine convenient locations around Southern California, the School of Business provides evening programs, study abroad opportunities and collaborative education opportunities with corporations and organizations. The school's Banta Center for Business, Ethics and Society is a forum for the examination of ethical issues in corporate and professional life. The Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis at the School of Business offers science- and research-based spatial analysis and forecasts of economic phenomena. The University of Redlands is an independent, nonprofit, liberal arts and sciences university consistently ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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