Potomac College
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Potomac College
Potomac College is a private for-profit institution of higher learning based out of Washington, DC and Herndon, Virginia. It provides educational opportunities to improve the career prospects of a diversity of adult students by offering quality education that is affordable and accessible. The curriculum is led by practitioners and enables students to gain a solid foundation in general education. Instructors use flexible teaching and learning models that identify and respond to the needs of students. The academic programs and learning environment includes personalized education and support services that focus on collaborative learning. Faculty and staff are highly qualified and committed to student success, helping students balancing academics and other life aspects, and promoting lifelong learning. Potomac College offers over 40 degree specialization programs in various fields including accounting, general management, cyber security, information systems management, government contract management, and health systems management. The programs are offered at the certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree levels. Students are able to complete their programs on campus or online or a combination of the two. Students are also able to customize their degree program to meet their goals. Potomac College is committed to meeting the needs of all students and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to receive a personalized educational experience.
Potomac College Online offers online degree programs that are designed and taught by online instructors who are dedicated to ensuring online programs provide the same quality, discipline, and relevance as campus-based programs. The course presentations are regularly updated to stay up to date with the constantly changing standards of online education. All prospective online students are required to complete an online interview with an admissions representative to select the right program, talk about career goals and personal needs, and choose the best path to completing the program. The online programs are delivered via the eCollege System. The eCollege System is vibrant software that enables students to access lessons, view and submit assignments, view grades, receive instructor feedback, and interact with instructors and other students through discussion boards. Students are able to upload Microsoft Office documents and create online calendars to stay more organized on assignment deadlines, quizzes, and tests. Students are also able to order and purchase their textbooks and other course materials online. Online students have access to all academic services including advising, financial aid, learning center and library resources, and student and career services. Potomac College Online also offers online tutoring through SMARTHINKING. Students are able to connect with certified online tutors to receive help in various courses.
The Potomac Education Foundation was founded in 1989 with the purpose of offering higher education to adult learners seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree. The foundation established Potomac College in 1991 and the first classes were held in 1992. The college gained accreditation in 1994 and was approved to grant Bachelor of Science degrees in 1995. It received regional accreditation in 2006. Currently Potomac College offers five Associate of Science degrees, five Bachelor of Science degrees, and 14 certificate programs.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education regionally accredits Potomac College.
Scholarships Offered
Potomac College offers the Walter Person Academic Scholarship for students who demonstrate academic achievement at the institution. The college also encourages students to apply for scholarships offered by outside organizations.
Financing Options
Potomac College participates in various financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART), Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans, and Military Active Duty Tuition Grant. It also participates in employer-based tuition assistance programs and accepts alternative loans.
Credit Earning Options
Potomac College grants credit for previous coursework completed at other regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institutions. All coursework must have a grade of a C or better and completed within the last five years. The college also grants credit for examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). Additionally, students may receive credit for military training and previous work or life experience. A maximum of 90 semester credit hours can be applied to a bachelor’s degree and 45 semester credit hours can be applied toward an associate degree. Students are able to receive up to 30 credit hours for bachelor’s degrees and 15 credit hours for associate degrees from non-traditional sources such as examinations and military training. No transfer credit is granted toward certificate programs. Students are required to submit official transcripts, examination scores, certificates from previous training, and military documents. Students are able to earn credit by successfully completed a comprehensive course examination to demonstrate proficiency of subject matter. A maximum of 9 semester credits for proficiency examinations can be used toward a specific program.