10 July 2008

College reviews: DeVry University

The school I am looking at today is DeVry University. It's commercials are quite common on TV and you've probably heard of it. If you haven't there are plenty on youtube.Let's start by saying we recommend four year schooling over an associate's degree. It opens more doors and when it comes right down to it, most likely pays better. Also, for thouse of you who think 4 year schooling isn't for you - think again. Financing education is becoming much easier with increasing aid, scholarships, and working. And the heavier cost of going to school is likely going to be paid back by the 20-30,000 more you are likely to earn right from the get go. If high school grades are the issue, try to get into community college and then transfer up. If four year schooling is still not viable, then an associate's degree should be something you should definitely be thinking about. Initially, I was quite 'turned off' by DeVry - after all you don't see television commercials for Harvard. So if this school does need commercials than it's probably not great right? Well, this is one case where you don't judge a book by the cover. DeVry's programs are innovative and in some cases cater better to your needs than schools who probably wouldn't advertise on TV. If you don't want four years of education, an associates degree from DeVry should definitely be something you should consider instead.DeVry is a fairly old institution and has over 70 locations. DeVry has a variety of online and distance learning options apart from classroom learning. This can be good to supplement classroom learning or in place of it if timings are an issue for you. I would recommend, though, that you try to get some classroom learning because the experience is quite important as well.I like DeVry because of the variety of programs that they offer - everything from business to criminal justice. DeVry's computer and electronics programs are very advanced and quite competitive with other colleges. The success rate of graduates is also very good. 89% of the graduates have received jobs in that field paying at least $35, 000 per year - pretty good for someone with an associate’s degree.Apart from that, DeVry does give a lot of hands-on experience and training. Many other associates degree programs offer hands on experience, but DeVry's superiority in placement over these programs does say something.The university is fully accredited and, as previously mentioned, offers a wealth of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This is better than many alternatives that have repeatedly failed to receive accreditation for programs. Please check if the education you are thinking of getting is accredited before you join - employers may take it into consideration.Their main focus is their business school, which has a strong focus on business management and receives about 50% of their students. Management education is focused and high quality and is given through the Keller Graduate School of Management.DeVry's administration is somewhat commendable. They offer a variety of work study options that many other colleges at this level do not. The quality of education is generally rated well by both students, faculty, and certifications. Although the large size of DeVry prevents it from being custom tailored to you - it's better than the average.If you are at a four year school and looking at Devry to pick up some extra credits - please hold your horses. Transferring credits often takes a bit of work, but can actually become a problem if the college was not accreditted for the degree you are pursuing. Well it turns out, in many cases DeVry isn't and therefore you really should talk to your registrar before considering this - actually do that for any type of transferring.Now there are reports that some student's aren't happy with the value of their degree after their graduate. Honestly, I think then that they overvalued their degree. An employer knows the difference between an associate and a bacherlors, between an ivy league and a community college. For the best opportunities, you will most likely need to get a bachelor's education. But for the best you can get with a shorter degree, DeVry is a very good choice.For more information visit: http://www.devry.edu/
Did you go to DeVry or are thinking about it? Let's discuss in the comments.
(photos from stateuniversity.com)

No comments: