Ivy Bridge College, an online extension of Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio, has the resources of this well-established 122-year-old private university while using 21st-century technology to offer a flexible learning environment for busy adult learners. Students seeking an online associate degree will find a variety of majors but can also use the "2+2" program to transfer to more than 50 colleges and universities for bachelor degree completion.
Online Associate Degree for Adult Learners
According to Dr. Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., Managing Director for Ivy Bridge College, the online associate degree program has a diverse adult learner population. "Sixty-three percent are adult learners and we recognize that most students are non-traditional (first-generation, working full time with a family, etc.). Our program is strategically designed to offer the flexibility of online learning to fit busy lives and prepare students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation from Ivy Bridge."
Ivy Bridge enrolls a high percentage of African-American students (34%) compared to other accredited online degree programs, with 7% of students identifying as Hispanic and 39% Caucasian. Even in an online environment, with students learning asynchronously and without face-to-face contact, such diversity is an asset, providing an opportunity for students to learn from each other, from virtual teamwork, and all-class discussion boards.
In addition, student support goes hand in hand with institutional philosophy, as Cruickshank explains: "Student services are at the core of Ivy Bridge College's culture. From day one, our students are assigned a success coach; a single point of contact who serves as an invaluable resource from application to graduation. Throughout the Ivy Bridge experience, the coach will help their student adjust to college life, offer input on what courses to take, help register for classes, discuss assignments and concerns, and assist in charting a course for the future."
Ivy Bridge College 2+2 Program
Many adult learners go into an online associate degree program and find during the course of their studies that they wish to continue and complete a bachelor's degree. According to Cruickshank, "If a student decides to pursue a four-year degree, Ivy Bridge provides streamlined admission to some of the best four-year colleges in the U.S. Ivy Bridge's 2+2 programs means you apply once, enroll at Ivy Bridge, and upon graduation, seamlessly transfer to more than 60 four-year partner institutions including Bowling Green, George Mason and Duquesne."
Students aren't limited to the partner institutions, but the articulation agreements Ivy Bridge College maintains with these schools make the 2+2 program convenient. For students completing an online associate degree, transferring to other four-year institutions requires a separate application for each college vs. the 2+2 program, which requires none.
Tuition and Financial Aid at Ivy Bridge College
Full-time tuition and fees are $4,725 for 12 to 16 credits per semester for the 2010-2011 academic year. Ivy Bridge College charges $315 per credit hour for part-time enrollment, defined as three to 11 credits per semester.
For non-traditional students attending an online associate degree program full-time, the two-year degree would cost just under $20,000 in total. Ivy Bridge accepts the FAFSA and federal financial aid.
Why Choose Ivy Bridge College for an Online Associate Degree?
All distance learning courses are taught by Tiffin University faculty, so unlike many online degree programs at other colleges, students receive instruction from established professors with credentials and experience.
In addition, the 2+2 program sets Ivy Bridge apart, as Cruickshank notes: "If students want to gain admission into a high-quality, four-year college but need help getting there, Ivy Bridge is the solution. Our associate degrees in general studies, business and criminal justice provide the flexibility and convenience of online learning while offering unparalleled mentoring and support to help students achieve a wide variety of educational goals. With our streamlined articulation and transfer process, they can seamlessly transfer to a four-year university."
To learn more about the online associate degree program at Ivy Bridge College, or to inquire about the 2+2 program, visit their website or call 866-498-6952.