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Degree Advice

Explore articles about college admissions, degree programs, and alternatives to college. Learn about the GRE, the Common App, financial aid, transferable credits, and how to plan your higher education journey.

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[Featured Image] A student completes an assignment in a graduate certificate program.

What’s the Difference Between a Graduate Certificate and a Master’s Degree?

A graduate certificate is a short program designed to teach career-focused subjects and skills. You can earn a graduate certificate in a number of areas from leading universities.

September 14, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person sits are a laptop in a living room and works on a college application.

How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

Experts typically suggest students apply to four to eight schools; however, there are a few things worth considering to find your ideal number.

September 14, 2022

Article

[Featured image] College students smile and laugh together as they sit outside a building on campus and have a discussion.

How Much Does College Cost?

Learn more about how to determine the total cost of attending college so you're better prepared to finance your education.

September 2, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A student completes an assignment in a graduate certificate program.

What’s the Difference Between a Graduate Certificate and a Master’s Degree?

A graduate certificate is a short program designed to teach career-focused subjects and skills. You can earn a graduate certificate in a number of areas from leading universities.

September 14, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person sits are a laptop in a living room and works on a college application.

How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

Experts typically suggest students apply to four to eight schools; however, there are a few things worth considering to find your ideal number.

September 14, 2022

Article

These courses could be eligible for degree credit

Google

Skills you'll gain: Vibe coding, AI powered creativity, Debugging, Prompt Patterns, Brainstorming, Planning, Visual Storytelling, Generative AI, Data Wrangling, Data Analysis, Content Creation, Presentations, AI literacy, Responsible AI, Business Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization, Research, Project Management, Machine Learning

4.8 stars, 11K reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Top AI program

Google

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Rmarkdown, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Data Cleansing, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Validation, Ggplot2, R (Software), Sampling (Statistics), Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, LinkedIn, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File Management, Web Presence, Data Structures, Interviewing Skills

4.8 stars, 182K reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Trending right now
Status: Free trial

Google

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Patterns, Google Gemini, Generative AI, AI literacy, Risking, Model Training, Technology Roadmaps, AI Integrations, Google Sheets, Critical Thinking, Innovation

4.8 stars, 25K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Top AI program
Status: Free trial
[Featured Image]: A student stands in front of a building on a university campus as they consider what rolling admission is.

College Decisions: What Is Rolling Admission?

Rolling admission means that a college or university reviews applications continually, so you can expect to get a decision faster. Learn more about this type of college decision.

September 2, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person with glasses sits in a library learning about when college decisions come out.

When Do College Decisions Come Out?

You'll get your college decision depending on the type of application you submit. Find out more about important timeframes in the application process.

August 26, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A student sits in their school library with a laptop open, smiling while they study for a college class.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class?

In undergraduate programs, “D” is typically the lowest passing grade, but passing may not be enough to fulfill graduation requirements.

August 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two students sit in a classroom and look at a cell phone to determine when college applications are due.

When Are College Applications Due? 4 Key Admissions Deadlines

Learn about the four common college application periods: early decision, early action, regular decision, and rolling admission.

August 4, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A first-generation college graduate wearing a cap and gown celebrates earning their bachelor's degree by throwing their hand in the air, holding up one finger.

What Is a First-Generation College Student?

To figure out if you are a first-generation college student, look to your parents’ formal education experience.

August 4, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person in a hijab and graduation gown raises their finger excitedly in the air.

Is College Worth It?

Learn more about the benefits and tradeoffs associated with attending college, so you can determine whether it's the best choice for you.

July 27, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A college student sits at a desk surrounded by various study materials.

What Is a Good College GPA and How Can You Raise Yours?

Learn what constitutes a good GPA in college, why it’s important, and how you can improve yours.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Future college student applies for a Pell Grant on a laptop computer.

Do You Have to Pay Back Pell Grants?

The Federal Pell Grant program has helped millions of students pay for their college education. Getting money to pay for college is great, but do you have to pay back Pell Grants?

July 1, 2022

Article

[Feature image] A student in eyewear thinks about a problem in their second bachelor's degree homework.

Do You Need a Second Bachelor’s Degree?

Learn when getting a second bachelor's degree could be a good option and when you're better off pursuing other types of advanced or supplementary education.

April 15, 2022

Article

[Featured image] College students smile and laugh together as they sit outside a building on campus and have a discussion.

How Much Does College Cost?

Learn more about how to determine the total cost of attending college so you're better prepared to finance your education.

September 2, 2022

Article

[Featured Image]: A student stands in front of a building on a university campus as they consider what rolling admission is.

College Decisions: What Is Rolling Admission?

Rolling admission means that a college or university reviews applications continually, so you can expect to get a decision faster. Learn more about this type of college decision.

September 2, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person with glasses sits in a library learning about when college decisions come out.

When Do College Decisions Come Out?

You'll get your college decision depending on the type of application you submit. Find out more about important timeframes in the application process.

August 26, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A student sits in their school library with a laptop open, smiling while they study for a college class.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class?

In undergraduate programs, “D” is typically the lowest passing grade, but passing may not be enough to fulfill graduation requirements.

August 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two students sit in a classroom and look at a cell phone to determine when college applications are due.

When Are College Applications Due? 4 Key Admissions Deadlines

Learn about the four common college application periods: early decision, early action, regular decision, and rolling admission.

August 4, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A first-generation college graduate wearing a cap and gown celebrates earning their bachelor's degree by throwing their hand in the air, holding up one finger.

What Is a First-Generation College Student?

To figure out if you are a first-generation college student, look to your parents’ formal education experience.

August 4, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person in a hijab and graduation gown raises their finger excitedly in the air.

Is College Worth It?

Learn more about the benefits and tradeoffs associated with attending college, so you can determine whether it's the best choice for you.

July 27, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A college student sits at a desk surrounded by various study materials.

What Is a Good College GPA and How Can You Raise Yours?

Learn what constitutes a good GPA in college, why it’s important, and how you can improve yours.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Future college student applies for a Pell Grant on a laptop computer.

Do You Have to Pay Back Pell Grants?

The Federal Pell Grant program has helped millions of students pay for their college education. Getting money to pay for college is great, but do you have to pay back Pell Grants?

July 1, 2022

Article

[Feature image] A student in eyewear thinks about a problem in their second bachelor's degree homework.

Do You Need a Second Bachelor’s Degree?

Learn when getting a second bachelor's degree could be a good option and when you're better off pursuing other types of advanced or supplementary education.

April 15, 2022

Article

Earning your degree is a big commitment, but it can also yield big rewards. As you consider the next step in your higher education, bookmark these resources and guides for each step along the way. Explore advice and information on:

  • Entrance exams

  • College applications

  • Financial aid

  • Success in college

  • Degree alternatives

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)