I have recently been researching schools in my area. (Columbus, OH) I am a non-traditional student, and by that I mean that I am single mom, only 23 years old and currently out of work. I am looking for a school to fit my schedule and further my career.
I was instantly intrigued by DeVry University, as they market students with similar educational needs. I requested additional information and within 24 hours I had received two phone calls from their admissions office. I met with them and was given a well rehearsed presentation. It is very alluring, and it seemed as if they were very up front about cost. I received documentation of graduation rates and the infamous list of fortune 500 companies that they are affiliated with.
I applied, met with a financial adviser and am currently waiting to enroll in classes. Not so fast. I spoke with my fiance, who is 35 and has been in the working world for many years. We discussed my desire, the cost, the benefits etc.
His concern is the cost of the education vs. the social stigma against DeVry in Central Ohio. So, I did my research. It turns out, he's right. (again) In Central Ohio, job applicants from an accredited local college, Capital University, Ohio State University, Otterbein, Franklin, are going to have a better shot at a job than a DeVry graduate. Despite DeVry's attempts to join the undergraduate colleges, they are still looked at as a technical school and many employers will look at it as just that.
I am now exploring my options with other more 'popular' schools and I am finding that they are much more tolerant with non-traditional students than I expected. Knowing that I will be solely responsible for paying my own tuition, I am committed to getting the most usable education for my money. In Central Ohio, a usable education is one from a well known school, and as far as my research has taken me, I'm finding that these well known schools, are in fact equal if not cheaper than DeVry.
When considering my education, I want something that will ultimately look promising to my prospective employers, after all, that is why I am going to school in the first place. I have to consider what the local job market is looking forward in order to get the most out what I'm trying to accomplish.
I'm learning that in Central Ohio, DeVry just doesn't cut it in the working world, and that's where I'm headed.
Best of luck to everyone pursuing degrees.
