Education

Advance your Career and Earnings!

The following information contains resources related to Education. While we constantly update our website, please check the related parties’ websites to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information. If you find information that is no longer available on this webpage, please notify the DSA’s Communication and Media Specialist via email at spotter@scdsa.org.

Earn Your Degree! 

Ashworth College

www.ashworthcollege.edu/

Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

Formats Available: Online

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Summary:  As of this writing, credits, and degrees earned from Ashworth College DO count toward your education incentive.  Ashworth is a very popular choice for our members seeking education incentives.  Due to the lower level of accreditation, Ashworth credits are not likely to be transferable elsewhere and may limit your future options regarding how you use your degree.  Their tuition is one of the least expensive you’ll find.

Average DSA Member Completion Time:  Just under two years to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

Cal Coast University

www.calcoast.edu/

Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

Formats Available: Online

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Summary:  We know many of our members have attended Cal Coast.  In early 2021 the DSA established a Corporate Partnership with Cal Coast, which equates to a 10% discount on tuition for DSA members. 

A past DSA staff member was a Cal Coast graduate and highly recommends them.  Cal Coast has provided the following statement for prospective students:

California Coast University was founded to meet the needs of qualified, highly motivated individuals whose geographic, professional, or personal time constraints keep them from completing their education in traditional, on-campus programs. We offer flexible programs designed to fit into your busy schedule, whether you are a working professional, a busy parent, or changing directions. CCU is 100% online, with no set class times, term dates, or scheduled exams – you can study on your own time, and at your own pace.

CCU offers affordable tuition with interest-free payment plans that will allow you to graduate debt free. We also offer academic credit for previously completed training and work experience. Prior to enrollment, each student receives an evaluation of previous academic and professional experience to maximize transfer credit opportunities. After evaluation, students receive a unique plan for completing their program.

We understand that making the choice to start or finish your degree is a big decision. Visit our website www.calcoast.edu or contact us today so we can help answer any questions you may have.  Our Admissions Representatives can be reached at (888) 228-8648 or admissions@calcoast.edu. Or, if you are ready to get started, apply now on our website!

Sacramento State University

www.csus.edu/

Degrees Offered: Associates, Bachelor’s

Formats Available:  Please contact Sacramento State

Accreditation: Regionally Accredited

Summary:  The Sacramento State College of Continuing Education has provided the following statement for prospective students:

Sacramento State has educated students and served California’s capital region since 1947, with more than 260,000 alumni benefiting from their degrees. 

For many working adults, the College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers an important balance of affordable and flexible programs for those pursuing a degree or specialized certificate to help achieve personal and professional goals. 

CCE offers a variety of degree completion programs, including HornetAttain!, to meet the unique needs of nontraditional students, including online and flexible schedules, and one-on-one advising. These programs provide the academic quality of a traditional four-year university but are designed to fit busy schedules, allowing students to balance school with work and personal commitments.

  • Guidance on returning to school
  • Review of transcripts and transferable credit
  • Exploration of options to receive credit for life and work experiences
  • Support with applications for financial and tuition assistance
  • Resources for scholarships

In addition, Sacramento State’s Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) is a 15-month, cohort-based accredited degree program. Participants gain skills needed to advance to leadership positions in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

The power of a degree is immense. It can lead to career development, resulting in significantly higher lifetime earnings, build a culture of education within families, improve self-esteem, and inspire others to achieve their dreams. 

For more information about HornetAttain! and CCE, visit cce.csus.edu. Information about the EMBA program is available at csus.edu/college/business-administration.

Average DSA Member Completion Time: Just over five years to complete Bachelor’s degree.

Union Institute

Union Institue Website

Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

Formats Available:  Online

Accreditation: Regionally Accredited

Summary:  Union Institute was the top-attended college reported by our members who took our survey.  According to their website:

Union Institute & University, the number one adult-focused and diverse non-profit university in Ohio*, offers bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees and certificates in education, leadership, social justice, mental wellness, public service, health care, and more. Classes are 100% online – learn anywhere, anytime. Our programs are built for your busy life, and you can attend part or full-time.

Average DSA Member Completion Time: Approximately two and a half years for a Bachelor’s degree.


National University

www.nu.edu/

Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

Formats Available: In-class, online, hybrid

Accreditation: Regionally Accredited

Summary: 

Our mission is to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 180,000 alumni worldwide.

Today, nearly 20% of the U.S. population works in “helping” fields, such as nursing, health care, public safety, and education. These everyday heroes are our teachers, school administrators, healthcare professionals, public safety officials, firefighters, EMTs, and nonprofit leaders — individuals who dedicate themselves to building, serving, and protecting our communities.

Over 70% of National University students work or study in these fields, and we’ve made it our mission to fuel the Help Industry by providing affordable, accessible education designed to help hard-working adults make a difference in this critical sector.

We’re also calling on leaders of businesses and organizations nationwide to become part of the Help Industry. No matter what field you’re in, you can join the Help Industry by donating to nonprofits, developing community-impacting programs, and supporting the educational and career growth of your employees.

Ready to advance your career in a helping profession or explore ways your business can join the Help Industry? Contact a member of our admissions team at (855) 355-6288  to get started today!

Average DSA Member Completion Time:  Just over three years for a Bachelor’s degree.

National Fraternal Order of Police Tuition Discounts (Sworn Only)

With exclusive union discounts and programs for working adults, the Union College Benefit helps minimize student out-of-pocket costs. Fill out the form on the following link to apply for discounts/tuition assistance.

unioncollegebenefit.online/fop-collegebenefit