What does "first four years of post-secondary education" mean?

What do I do about my education?

• I am 48 years old. I have been trying to get my education for the past few years. First I went with a local business school and I admit I did not check them out thoroughly. They weren't accredited and they were very expensive. I left after 1 semester. Then I tried an online school that was accredited but are not recognized where I live. I found out accreditation doesn't always mean you will find a job. I almost finished the whole course of study but it was time and money wasted. I have changed my major at least seven times. I can't seem to find one thing that interests me. Finally I applied at a state university for their online distance ed program in general studies. I signed up for four classes in a nine month program. I wanted to give myself plenty of time to work on my school work. I was doing well and going to finish everything on time but then half way through I had family issues that took me away from my studies and my job. I have had to care for my infant granddaughter who was born prematurely. She is a special needs child and takes 24 hour care. My deadline to complete my course work is up in May and I am so far behind I don't think I can finish all four classes. I don't know what to do now. I feel like a failure. I just want the skills to get a better job and it seems like I have been just spinning my wheels. I at least would like to get an associates degree because it seems as though even entry level jobs require that. I am afraid that I will finish and have a bunch of student loans and will either not be able to find work or not be able to make enough to pay my loans.

• Answer:

  You have learned the hard way that choosing the right college is very important. Online programs are not well accepted because the alleged "graduate" may have cheated by hiring an impostor. As a result, ANY online program is considered questionable-even if from a legit school. Employers often automatically reject job applicants listing ANY online school or ANY for-profit school. Some examples of notorious for-profit schools include Kaplan, University of Phoenix, Brown Mackie,Everest, Capella, Ashford, etc. See RipOffReport.com for reviews of schools to avoid. Attend college in person, even if it means nights or weekends. Many public community colleges offer legit college level courses at a bargain price. They also often have day care centers on campus or nearby that could help with the grandchild. Visit a community college to sit down and talk to an adviser about your goals. Remember, you won't be the only granny in college!