Every business needs people who can communicate well with employees, clients and the general public. Professionals with communications degrees can work in a range of industries, such as insurance or business, or a field related to communications, such as public relations. After completing an online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication program, working professionals may be able to earn a promotion at their company or find a new job elsewhere.
Find an Affordable Program
Finding an affordable communication bachelor’s degree program does not have to be a difficult task. Online programs like Lamar University’s B.S. in Communication give working professionals the freedom and flexibility to complete a communication degree online while continuing to work. Online education also removes geographic restrictions from the equation. This opens up the opportunity to attend a more affordable school that may be hundreds of miles away.
Financial Aid Is Available
As long as a university is regionally or nationally accredited, various forms of financial aid are available for eligible applicants to cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees. Depending on income level, an adult with a full-time job could qualify for grants and loans to pay for their education. Grants and scholarships provide free money that students don’t have to pay back. Loan repayment usually starts following graduation. Interest on student loans may or may not accrue during college, depending on the type of loan.
Receive Tax Credits
Another benefit of higher education is there are credits and deductions that students can claim when tax season rolls around. The American opportunity tax credit (AOTC) is a tax credit that covers up to $2,500 per year of the cost of tuition, fees, books and equipment for a student’s first four years of higher education. Students must ensure they qualify for the AOTC before claiming the credit, and the AOTC can be claimed for a maximum of four tax years.
The lifetime learning credit (LLC) provides up to $2,000 in tax credits per year for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. The AOTC and the LLC cannot be claimed for the same student or the same qualified expenses in a single year, and there are several differences between the two credits (beyond the types of schooling they can be claimed for). For instance, the LLC can only be applied to tuition and fees, but there is no limit on the number of years individuals may claim the credit.
Those who don’t qualify for these tax credits may be able to take qualified college expenses as a tax deduction.
Classes Are Available 100% Online
Individuals pursuing their communication degrees online have access to the same courses as their on-campus counterparts do. Coursework includes conflict management, public speaking, public relations, advertising and interviewing. Upon completion, graduates can pursue careers in fields like corporate training, public relations, advertising, sales and corporate communication.
Several factors make an affordable bachelor’s degree possible. Students can use financial aid through grants and loans to pay for online classes. Tax credits and deductions help absorb some of the costs when tax season rolls around. Online courses give working adults access to affordable schools regardless of their location, as well as the flexibility needed to continue earning a wage while earning a degree. All these factors mean working professionals can complete their degrees without breaking the bank.
Learn more about the Lamar University online B.S. in Communication program.
