| Engineers are the inventors of our society. They are | | | | time. |
| the people who make and test the things we use | | | | Bachelors degrees in all types of engineering are |
| everyday. Engineers use scientific knowledge and | | | | available through most online colleges. There are also |
| mathematics to solve problems creatively. There are | | | | programs for masters or doctorate degrees. Most |
| many different types of engineers with civil, | | | | engineers have bachelors degrees in their selected |
| mechanical, electrical and software engineers just to | | | | specialty. The level of education, the field of |
| name a few. Many of these specialized degrees are | | | | engineering and the experience all contribute to a |
| available through online college and may be growing in | | | | workers salary. These qualifications lead to a broad |
| popularity thanks to a new national campaign. | | | | range of yearly salaries for engineers between |
| President Obama launched a campaign last year | | | | $37,000 and $120,000. |
| called, "Educate to Innovate". The President says he | | | | There are several ways to pay for your engineering |
| will make it a national priority to help students in the | | | | education. The US government is the largest source |
| US to lead the pack in STEM subjects (science, | | | | of funding. The Department of Education will provide |
| technology, engineering and math). John Holdren, the | | | | more than $116 billion this year to help millions of |
| Director of the White House Office of Science and | | | | students and their families pay for college. There are |
| Technology, echoes this sentiment saying America | | | | federal grants, loans and work study programs |
| needs a STEM workforce that can develop clean | | | | available to all college students. Filling out a free |
| sources of energy to reduce our dependence on | | | | application for federal student aid (FAFSA) will |
| foreign oil and discover cures for cancer. | | | | determine your financial need and how much aid you |
| The President's STEM plan outlines three priorities: | | | | are qualified to get. |
| helping all students think critically in STEM subjects, | | | | Colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically |
| improving math and science teaching, and expanding | | | | for engineering students, but students may also |
| STEM education and career opportunities for | | | | compete for scholarships offered by private |
| underrepresented groups like women and minorities. | | | | organizations. For example the Barry Goldwater |
| Online college is one way to expand STEM education | | | | Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation |
| opportunities. The convenience of online college | | | | chooses 300 students from across the country each |
| makes higher education available to a broader | | | | year. The students are awarded scholarships valued |
| population. Distance students use the Internet to | | | | at $7,500. There are also groups that offer |
| view class lectures, complete assignments and take | | | | scholarships to minority students and women pursuing |
| exams. These are available 24 hours a day, allowing | | | | engineering degrees. |
| the student to work at their own pace on their own | | | | |