Soldiers stationed overseas turn to online education

Soldiers stationed overseas turn to online education

Eager to keep up with their studies while serving in Iraq, U.S. soldiers are using online courses to obtain or complete their college education, according to media reports.

Dvidshut.net, a technical information website, says soldiers of the 395th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, stationed in Iraq, are taking advantage of tuition assistance and online access to continue their education throughout deployment.

"It's very strenuous, but in the long run it's for my personal development," Spc. Ransome Cuffy, who is pursuing a degree in business administration, told the website.

The source reveals most of the students at the base are pursuing degrees from a university located in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Soldiers, and other busy adults and professionals, may be motivated to pursue online education as statistics show salaries of those with college degrees consistently surpass the earnings of those without higher education.

In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2007 suggest the average earnings for those with high school education were $42,466, while individuals with bachelors degrees earned $88,843, which is more than twice as much.