Overview
A dual degree program, as the name suggests, allows the student to work for two different degrees at the same time, thereby saving a considerable amount of time. It is possible to work for both the degrees either at the same institution or at two different universities.
Benefits
The main benefit of a dual degree program is the time saving factor. Earning dual degrees can be completed in less time than it takes to earn one degree followed by the other.
Some graduate schools are highly competitive and difficult to get into. Earning a dual degree may increase the chances that a student will be accepted into a graduate level program because graduate schools can see that the student is capable of handling a large quantity of course work.
A dual degree greatly favors the recipient in the job market in terms of the desirability factor and earning potential.
Costs
The cost for a dual degree program is significantly higher than that of a single degree. The cost difference can be a few thousand dollars more and justifiably so, if you consider the end result. When you think of it in terms of receiving two degrees, you will realize that it is a lot more cost efficient.
The reason for the cost efficiency is that there are many degree majors that overlap each other in terms of required courses. This will significantly cut the number of classes you must complete and prevent you from taking repetitive courses. Consequently, you have to shell out a considerably less amount towards tuition fee.
Schools
Many of the four-year colleges and universities that offer the normal university degree program offer the dual degree program as well. Florida International University, University of Miami, Eller College of Management, and Loyola University Chicago are some of the renowned places to pursue dual degree programs both in cross-disciplinary fields as well as complementary degrees from two different countries.
Testing & Preparation
Schools that offer dual degree programs will require that students submit their American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which should be reasonably high and is usually set by the school or the partner schools, in case of the involvement of more than one institution. If you're an international student, you are also required to take up the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Financial Aid
To fund your dual degree programs, you look at many different sources. The colleges you choose are the best place to begin your search for financial aid. Florida International University and Eller College of Management have a proper financial aid program in place to help their students.
You may look for grants, scholarships and even student loans in order to fund your education. Grants are usually based on the amount of financial need that is demonstrated by a student and are not required to be paid back. Scholarships also need not be paid back by the student, but it is given only to those who demonstrate academic excellence and also fulfill other requirements as set forth by the organization or agency awarding the scholarship. Loans are the least desirable type of financial aid as they are lent to the student and therefore must be paid back after graduation.
You may also apply for the Federal Student Aid to get the benefit of federally guaranteed financial assistance for your education.
