This program has made a difference in the pilot schools for a lot of students.
The federal rule change some results in a big model of new online schools. A lot of students will consider them as a viable option, especially for professional degrees. Online education is going more and more mainstream these days. Even modern schools such as Harvard University are getting in on the act.
An online-only program misses out on the actual classroom experience, as well as the important interaction with students and faculty who are on campus. Harvard does not currently offer any of its college degrees completely through online channels.
 Still, this can be the force to begin offering online classes and degrees in traditional universities. The new federal aid rule is to make online competition stronger.
Private bank loans remain an option for distance-education students. These loans typically come at higher interests rates. These loans are even less attractive than they used to be.
Another important source of funding for people who are going back to school is employer tuition reimbursement. According to a recent study by the American Society for Training & Development, more than one-quarter of all courses completed by adult students. Their employers paid for them. However, there are often limits about how much tuition reimbursement one employee can get. But still a loan may be necessary.
Online students have to go through the same hoops as their campus counterparts in applying for federal financial aid. Although Capella's Lehmann says even these processes are easier than ever before thanks to online forms and submission. But only the hard-copy document is still required. It is the student's federal tax return.
In case students are shopping for online degrees and figuring out how to pay for it, caveat emptor (buyer beware) still applies. The federal aid is available now. There is more incentive for shady distance-learning schools. And this entices people to sign up without offering a solid educational experience.
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