Affordable Colleges Online, a website dedicated to tracking the most cost-effective academic institutions, listed Southeastern among the most affordable online college programs in the state of Louisiana.
With the estimated cost of $4,604 per year in tuition and fees, Southeastern ranked fourth of the 16 universities listed. Southeastern’s online nursing program was praised specifically by the website, which states, “Students at Southeastern Louisiana University can complete a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing completely online when they already have registered nurse credentials. The university, accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, allows students to complete the online college program in as little as three semesters.”
According to Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the quality of the online nursing curriculum and dedicated faculty members complement the affordable tuition, making the program successful.
“Southeastern’s tuition is a great value compared to other programs elsewhere,” said Carruth. “Students pay less per credit hour. Also, we work very closely with students to give credit for their prior course work and their work experiences when we can. We have a dedicated advisor [for the registered nurses], and she works to evaluate every student’s transcript to individualize students’ curriculum plan. This can be done online, but in reality, students often come in to meet one-on-one with her.”   
In order to qualify for Southeastern’s online nursing program, students must have experience as a registered nurse with either an associate’s degree or a diploma degree. The program benefits nurses earning their bachelor’s degree by providing the knowledge and resources to help students succeed in their fields.
“Nurses with a BS in nursing are more likely to get promoted to leadership positions, and they are educationally ready to start a master’s degree,” said Carruth. “Many of our RNs who enroll in the online program plan to apply to become a nurse practitioner, nurse executive or nurse educator.”
The university’s online programs also benefit students in other academic fields of study. Lynn Serigny is a special education student who is currently pursuing a master’s degree online. The flexibility of the online program allows her to juggle school, work and family life-a feat that would be much more difficult to achieve in a standard classroom setting.
“I was unhappy with my customer service job and desired to become a teacher,” said Serigny. “I got a job teaching [physical education] at a private school but knew that if I wanted to have my own classroom I would have to become certified. I am married; I have a son, and I have to work full-time. I knew that the regular education master’s program at Southeastern would be intense and would not allow me to work full-time and keep my sanity. Plus, I wanted to have a more flexible school schedule. This program is one that fits my work, financial and educational needs the most.”
Though Serigny feels that the program at Southeastern is affordable compared to private universities, she still experiences frustration with her payment plan.
“I would probably be more comfortable with the cost if I were able to get financial aid,” said Serigny. “However, because I am taking one class per semester, it’s a struggle for me to pay the whole cost by fee deadlines.  The payment plan is nice, but I hate that you end up paying more just to be on the payment plan.”
Serigny advises students who are contemplating enrolling in an online course program to maintain motivation and a balanced schedule.
“Make sure you have an adequate place in your home where you can do your work,” said Serigny. “It should be quiet and preferably with a desk. Make sure you have a working computer, printer and abilities to get online.  Stay in constant communication with your teachers. They are surprisingly very easy and willing to work with you in any situation. Make sure that you are able to set aside time each week for assignments. Waiting until a couple days before they are due is not sufficient and will only make you crazy.”
Online programs are another resource for students to achieve success in their fields. With flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and helpful faculty, the opportunities for growth are plentiful.
“I thoroughly enjoy the program that I am in and truly believe that it is worth the financial investment, the time and the work that it takes to get the degree,” said Serigny.
“Students have the convenience of getting coursework online, but they are close enough to come to see faculty or seek resources as needed,” said Carruth. “We believe we have the best faculty in the world, and one of the reasons we have a great program is because we have faculty who genuinely care about student success.”