Jeremy Alder, M.Div. Founder/Senior Editor

Morticians, also known as funeral directors, provide care services for the deceased and their survivors. They communicate with family members or executors to plan funeral services, use scientific knowledge and specialized training to prepare bodies for cremation or burial, and act as managers of their funeral business. If you would like to help people mourn . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: There are many paths to a career as a pilot Some degrees, like aviation and aeronautics, are direct entries into flying Other degrees, like computer science and physics, give a good foundation for pilot training Becoming a pilot is a lofty career goal that can propel your life to new heights . . . Read More

If you are considering going all the way in history, you have probably already done so much to get to this point in your life. You are moving towards a dream and you want to, of course, take the right path, to access exactly what you are looking for. Most people who get their doctorate . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: There are many career options available for felons with a degree Online study is a great way for formerly incarcerated people to get a degree Computer science, entrepreneurship, and trades are perfect choices for felons You were convicted of a felony, you served your time and now you’re ready to get . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students Some of the best majors for future therapists are psychology, social work, and neuroscience The most common specialization is mental health counseling Whatever degree you have, you will have to meet your state's licensure and certification requirements to be a therapist The hard part is over: You’ve taken the plunge and . . . Read More

Are you thinking about switching to a new career? You're not alone. Many people decide to change paths for different reasons. According the World Economic Forum, having many careers will be the norm. Maybe you want to follow a passion, earn more money, or better prepare for the future. Getting a master's degree can be . . . Read More

Takeaways for Students Cutting-edge STEM fields like AI and renewable energy are booming A master's degree in these fields has great potential for future careers Consider where your skills align with in-demand career fields for the best fit As you look ahead to your future career, or to changing careers, choosing the right master's degree . . . Read More

Like most people considering college, you’d probably like to get the most bang for your buck from your higher education ventures. However, if math isn’t your strong suit, you may feel like your options are limited. Although most of today’s top-earning degrees indeed require high levels of proficiency in mathematics, you don’t have to be . . . Read More

A recent College Consensus poll found that the majority of Americans still believe college is the best path to a satisfying future. But getting into college can be a real challenge. The best admissions consultant programs offer practical tools that assist students in choosing the right career path. A college admissions consultant's job is to . . . Read More

The history of the General Education Development (GED) test dates to 1942 and World War II. During WWII, when large numbers of Americans left high school to enter the military and deploy overseas. Countless other Americans delayed their education, dropped out of school, and went to work in, primarily, wartime industrial factories to support their . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students There are many tuition-free options for college Some colleges are free for anyone who is accepted, while others offer income-based tuition discounts Work Colleges - where students take on work around the school for free tuition - are still going strong for the right kind of student! For most college-bound students, . . . Read More

Technology is a growing field. In fact, it’s currently one of the fastest-growing industries. Each technology development creates new work opportunities. However, technology is a big field, one that’s complex. This makes it tough to decide where to begin your technology career. That's why College Consensus is giving you our ranking of the best degrees . . . Read More

Free online courses (sometimes called MOOCs) have reshaped how people learn, develop their professional skills, and prepare for career and life changes. Some of the most respected colleges in the world offer courses in nearly every field of interest you can think of. But how do you know a free online course will be worth . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: There is no one major for a physician assistant Many health science and medicine-related majors will prepare you for PA school Getting into PA school is about your skills and drive, not your undergrad major Thinking about becoming a physician assistant (PA)? It's a rewarding career where you work alongside doctors . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: There are more opportunities to work from home than ever before Some work-at-home jobs require no degree A bachelor's or master's degree can help you stand out from the crowd Millions of people work from home on a part-time or full-time basis, and more move to work-from-home every year. People who . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: No degree can make you an entrepreneur, but a degree can help you be a successful entrepreneur Degrees that build business, management, and people skills are best A degree program also helps entrepreneurs build their network for success A degree can definitely give aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and honed skills. . . . Read More

Our Best Colleges & Universities list is a composite best colleges ranking designed to show prospective college students where their top choices rank across the board. These are truly the best of the best colleges in the United States. College Consensus rankings combine the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged . . . Read More

When it comes to college, affordability isn’t cheap – keeping costs down and student loan debt low is every student’s worry. That’s why College Consensus is ranking the best-value colleges and universities for 2024. College costs have risen far faster than the rate of inflation in the 21st century - even faster than financial aid . . . Read More

Are you looking for the best online colleges and universities for a bachelor's degree? Then you've come to the right place. The College Consensus ranking of the Best Online Colleges & Universities is the most comprehensive and well-rounded ranking of online colleges for bachelor's degrees available anywhere. This is a ranking of the true "best . . . Read More

Cost is the most important deciding factor for most students pursuing an online degree. Thankfully, the continued growth in the number of online colleges and degree programs means there are now more affordable options than ever. To help students in their quest for an affordable online degree, College Consensus - the authority on college rankings . . . Read More

In the age of rapidly rising tuition – college costs have risen far faster than the rate of inflation in the 21st century, and even faster than financial aid – affordability is no joke. With our ranking of the 100 Most Affordable Colleges & Universities, College Consensus is lighting up the way to a college . . . Read More

Want low tuition? Convenience and flexibility? A college loan debt that doesn't keep you up at night? The College Consensus ranking of the best value online colleges can help. There are many affordable choices among online colleges, but just because a college is affordable doesn’t mean your degree will give you a good return on . . . Read More

The College Consensus ranking of the Best Colleges for Veterans is built to be thorough, combining perspectives from trusted ranking agencies and reputable student reviews. For generations now, military veterans have looked to America’s colleges and universities – with the help of the GI Bill – to expand their career options after service by earning . . . Read More

Online Master's degree programs continue to grow in popularity, with the majority of graduate schools now offering them as a more flexible and affordable option for students. Our annual ranking of the Best Online Graduate Schools highlights the top master's degree programs online according to both experts and students. If you're interested in an online . . . Read More

Many veterans are looking to receive an education and enter the civilian workforce once they have returned home. In most cases, these veterans have families and other obligations, which make them seek out military-friendly online programs that will work with their benefits and their schedule. The flexibility that comes with online degree programs allows these military veterans the ability . . . Read More

Online doctoral programs have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility, accessibility, and diverse offerings. These programs provide a convenient option for working professionals or individuals with other commitments, allowing them to pursue advanced degrees without the constraints of traditional on-campus attendance. The increasing acceptance of online education, advancements in technology, and the . . . Read More

Computer coding bootcamps have been around for a decade or more and will meet tech companies’ immediate employment needs within months, rather than years as required by college/university degrees. While there is still a need for computer science degrees, bootcamps are often more flexible and affordable than traditional degree programs. It's a solid way to . . . Read More

Do you have the technical savvy of an engineer but the design eye of an artist? If so, then you need to look into architecture as a profession. Architects design all of the buildings that modern society appreciates. Whether it's a nondescript grocery store in the suburbs or a landmark skyscraper downtown, an architect's skills . . . Read More

Coding is one of the most lucrative employment options out there when it comes to digital technologies. Finding an affordable coding bootcamp will help you gain the skills and abilities you need to become a coding specialist. Bootcamps are an ideal way to gain the education you need in a short amount of time. Bootcamps . . . Read More

Technology is here to stay and its future is built upon coders who are proficient in the latest programming languages. This need for coders has resulted in the creation of the online coding bootcamp that takes students with little-to-no programming knowledge and turns them into entry-level, full-stack developers. Courses offered by coding bootcamps take students . . . Read More

If you’re looking for a job as a coder, the first thing you should do is get the right training. Many coding bootcamps on the market can help you locate a position once you have finished, but you want to start with a bootcamp that can give you a bigger advantage in the job market. . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: "Easy" degrees still take work and commitment "Easy" depends on your strengths and weaknesses Good degree programs make the process smoother and are more supportive Online degrees have changed college. Around 51% percent of all college students currently take at least one class online (as of 2023). In a College Consensus . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: Business, computers and engineering dominate the highest-paying online degrees Some online degrees can help you get to a six-figure job with only a bachelor's Students should still choose their online degree carefully, considering their interests and skills, not just potential income Are you looking for the highest paying bachelor's degrees? With . . . Read More

Over the past few decades our society has advanced in technology by leaps and bounds. Computers and technology quickly became a linchpin in our businesses, as well as our personal lives. Technological advances allowed us to constantly connect to our our loved ones and our world. We no longer solely rely on physical meeting, but . . . Read More

Maintaining a lifelong love of learning is beneficial for everyone, especially for those who wish to explore the best degree after 50. Seniors who strive to be lifetime learners are the recipients of the many benefits education provides. For those considering changing careers at 50 without a degree, reach for an educational experience at one . . . Read More

Your parents may be telling you that playing video games is a waste of time, but studies show a different story. According to research, playing video games can make you smarter, and to work in the industry, you need some major brain power. Video game designers must have a unique blend of talents. For instance, . . . Read More

Unless Bill Gates is your uncle, one of the first things you think about when deciding to attend a college, university, or vocational school is, "How will I pay for it?" If Uncle Bill doesn't exist, Uncle Sam does. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education disperses over $112 billion in work-study, grants, and loans . . . Read More

You may be surprised to know that there are, indeed, top online colleges that have acceptance rates as high as 100%. But, what does that actually mean? Does it mean that anyone who applies gets in regardless of their qualifications? Does it mean those are "bad" schools? Do more selective schools offer more scholarships? For . . . Read More

There are many online colleges you can enroll in right now. These are schools with a rolling admissions policy. This means they have flexible start dates, usually monthly or weekly. Many of these same online schools have open admissions policies, meaning they accept everyone with a high school diploma or GED. We're going to look . . . Read More

Most students preparing for college know that selecting the right, most suitable school will require a fair amount of research. This is because this decision is one of life’s most meaningful choices. But applying to most colleges also means spending some money upfront. Most colleges charge an application fee to incoming students to cover the . . . Read More

Students transfer colleges and universities all the time for various reasons. You may find yourself changing majors and another school has a better program, you may decide you want to complete a degree you previously started but didn’t finish, or you may want to leave an on-campus program and enter a top online school. Forbes . . . Read More

If you have a knack for writing and are interested in a flexible, fast-paced career, try journalism! The heyday of print journalism might be over, but journalists are in high demand in industries like digital communications and TV and radio broadcasting. The Pros and Cons of Journalism ProsConsExciting challengesAverage salary (for most)Learning as a jobLong, . . . Read More

If you are searching for a long-term career, then working as an electrician may be the right choice for you. While this job does not require a traditional degree, you will be expected to complete specific training programs. It's one of the highest-paid trade jobs in the US! Once you are hired as an electrician, . . . Read More

What are the highest-paying jobs without a four-year degree? One answer to that question will be found by looking at some of the highest-paid trades. The highest-paid trade school jobs are a great alternative to college and provide great career options. Trade school jobs afford above-average pay and a comfortable living.  Trade school jobs also . . . Read More

We live in a complex world. People face challenges ranging from health issues, aging, drug and substance abuse, sexual identity, diversity, and many more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of social work will grow at a faster-than-average rate of 7% in the next decade. Universities have developed online and hybrid . . . Read More

Business continues to be the most popular college major, and for good reason. Graduating with a business degree from a top college or university can set you up well for an entry-level position at a company you admire, starting your own venture, or pursuing an MBA or graduate degree. Business degree graduates are everywhere, serving . . . Read More

If you're interested in earning your MBA, but don't want to take the GMAT (who does?), then one of the many no-GMAT MBA programs now available may be for you. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized, multiple-choice test that many business schools have used as a forecasting tool to measure if an . . . Read More

One-year MBA programs allow students to graduate twice as fast as traditional top MBA programs. Most MBA degrees take two years to earn, but there are accelerated MBA programs available that can be completed in as little as one year or less. The Nation's Best One-Year MBA Programs Thankfully, MBA students do not have to . . . Read More

Are you hoping to earn a higher salary and progress in your career quickly? If so, you may consider earning a one-year online MBA program. Many people still think you get an MBA by moving to live near a school and spending two years of your life grinding it out in class all day. What . . . Read More

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is intended to reveal an applicant's forecasted success in an MBA program, and many of the best programs rely on it as part of their admission process. However, many business schools have decided to forgo the GMAT test requirement and lean on other components of a candidate's application. The . . . Read More

An online Executive MBA program (also known as an online EMBA) is designed for business students who are further along in their careers and want to continue working full-time while seeking an advanced business degree. Schedules vary among the nation's best programs, but most offer part-time formats. Online programs provide virtual class meetings with some . . . Read More

The MBA is still among the most popular graduate degrees in the United States. And for good reason. According to a study by the Center on Education and the Workforce, "[T]he majority of business programs lead to median earnings that are roughly 10 times graduates’ debt payments two years after program completion." The return on . . . Read More

MBA programs are notoriously expensive, but also have one of the highest ROI of any graduate degree. Our ranking of the Most Affordable MBA Programs will help you find the MBA that gives you the most bang for your buck. While these may be the cheapest MBA programs in regards to tuition, they hail from . . . Read More

Executives looking to level up their skills and credentials to move further up the ladder may want to consider an Executive MBA (EMBA) program. These programs are designed with the working professional in mind and can open up opportunities and connections not available otherwise. For even more flexibility, many top business schools offer online EMBA . . . Read More

Key Takeaways: Flexibility and convenience are central More students than ever have experience with online education Fewer people are concerned about the quality of online education Online degrees can make an impact for minorities and working class  Since 2016, College Consensus has been here for you. From high schoolers and college freshmen to grad students . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students: Higher-level construction careers are in high demand There are many paths to a career in construction The key elements/skills for a career in construction include problem-solving, time management, and skill with numbers Construction is a high-demand industry. Still, the construction industry struggles with a shortage of skilled workers and leaders. Getting . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students The most in-demand degrees are still in tech, business, and healthcare These are the areas with the most projected growth in the future Bachelor's degrees remain an important stepping stone, but professional careers increasingly need a master's The college degree program you decide to enter into is the education that defines . . . Read More

Lawyers represent clients in the legal system. For criminal justice cases, the lawyer may prosecute the case or defend a client in the courtroom. Meanwhile, civil cases involve anything from property disputes to class action settlements. No matter what kind of lawyer you decide to become, you need the right education before applying for your . . . Read More

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is a graduate degree awarded by law schools in the United States. To become a licensed attorney in most states, you have to earn a JD from an accredited law school. There are non-accredited law schools that also confer a Juris Doctor degree. However, you may not be allowed to . . . Read More

Key Takeaways: Americans still largely trust traditional higher education, but not as much as they used to Nearly half of Americans believe traditional college education will decline in importance in the next decade Americans view trade school as offering almost equivalent ROI to traditional college Trust in community college and online college is lower than . . . Read More

An online MBA program offers a greater level of flexibility than traditional top MBA programs. After spending four years or more studying to earn their bachelor's degree, the idea of jumping back into higher education to live the student life again may sound less than ideal. And for some business professionals, it would be near . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students: Early childhood education is here to stay, with preschools and head start programs expanding A master's degree is the key to higher positions in early childhood education, such as administration, policy, and curriculum development Higher-level roles mean higher pay for early childhood educators Being a teacher for the youngest of us . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students: 1 in 6 American children is diagnosed with a mental health disorder The need for psychological professionals for children has never been more dire A master's degree in child and adolescent psychology can improve your career prospects immensely If you're in a career working with children, you see their pain - . . . Read More

If you’re considering an MBA, you may want to consider the wealth of online programs now available. Benefits can include more affordable tuition, a self-paced curriculum, and flexible scheduling. They may also offer multiple start dates throughout the year and greater accessibility. And while some of the top online MBA programs hold a price tag . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students Experienced human resources professionals are always in demand Human resources jobs are growing An online bachelor’s degree is a convenient way to earn credentials and get a higher-paying HR position If you’ve started working in human resources after high school, you might be ready to move up in your career. An . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students The BLS sees management occupations growing much faster than average in the next 10 years An online bachelor-completion degree in organizational leadership can help working adults get ahead in their career  Organizational leadership skills can apply in all fields, from business to education to healthcare What's a recession-proof degree? Have you . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students The BLS sees tremendous job growth in healthcare administration Online health administration degree programs are widely available Working professionals already in the field can finish their degrees quickly Demand is higher than ever for skilled healthcare leaders. That's why online health administration degrees are becoming so popular. Online learning is flexible, . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students Job growth for health informatics continues much faster than average Health informatics provides a career shift for nurses and other health care professionals  An online health informatics program lets you earn your degree while working in the field Are you a nurse, health care manager, or IT professional? Do you want . . . Read More

Colleges are more than just places of learning - many, especially the smaller colleges, are also families. And nothing unites families like their holiday traditions!  Humans have celebrated winter holidays for thousands of years - after all, it takes a lot of work to make the coldest, dreariest season into the most wonderful time of . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students Counseling careers are growing much faster than average You can begin a counseling career with a bachelor’s degree An online counseling degree lets you earn credentials on your own schedule Counseling is one of the fastest-growing professions in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), The counseling profession . . . Read More

The Takeaway for Students A Master’s in Educational Leadership is a challenging but rewarding degree. It can open doors to exciting leadership roles in education. If you're serious about making a positive impact on education, it's worth considering. Are you a working teacher thinking about advancing your career? Do you want to make a big . . . Read More

Takeaway for Students A new degree can give 40-year-olds the tools for another successful career Online bachelor's and master's degrees make a career change possible for middle-aged working adults Some of the best choices for new degrees are in technology, business, and healthcare When you reach the age of 40, the thought of going back . . . Read More

Key Takeaways for Students Some careers, especially in tech and healthcare, are growing at high rates over the next decade An online degree program in the right field can help students get a satisfying job in these growing careers Students should consider what fields are growing and see where their interests align In the job . . . Read More