New Jersey colleges thrive during recession

New Jersey colleges thrive during recession

Difficult economic times are driving more people to return to school to finish or earn a new degree, and they do so through a variety of on-campus as well as online degrees.

For example, according to the Star Ledger, a New Jersey newspaper, career colleges throughout the state have seen booming enrollments since the recession began.

However, schools granting bachelors degrees have also been popular. The news provider profiles one student, Taseen Peterson, who is working on a bachelors degree in financial services at Berkeley College, and says he enjoys the flexibility the program offers.

"I have to get back to making money," the 26-year-old dad told the news source, "and basically living life."

For students looking for flexibility, online degrees may be a good fit. They also tend to be cheaper and take less time to complete than traditional programs, which makes them even more appealing to working parents looking to switch careers.

The Labor Department says demand for financial managers is expected to grow by 13 percent a year, and top salaries already exceed $145,600.