TTU DFW Student with Perfect GPA Recommends Online Program

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

After enrolling at Texas Tech University at Rockwall in the spring of 2021, Jared Hill has finished his degree in General Studies with a perfect grade point average and an experience he wasn't quite expecting from an online program.

“I can't believe how quickly my TTU journey flew by,” Hill exclaimed. “It was incredible. Anybody who says online students can't make connections is misinformed. I had great relations with all of my professors and advisors (shout out to Janet Veal). They were available any time. And the ability to complete classes asynchronously couldn't be beaten!”

Hill says there were multiple benefits of attending Texas Tech online through a TTU DFW regional site instead of in person.

“I was able to get a part-time job (which I still have over a year later), and I was able to take some concurrent courses at my former school, Collin College,” he said. “I also got to stay in my hometown of McKinney, and I was able to give back to it by volunteering on a recent political campaign.”

Although the benefits of attending Texas Tech virtually were many, Hill says he most liked the balance it brought to his daily life.

“One minute, I might be sitting in my home typing a research essay, the next, I'm off to pass out political flyers. This was only possible because I had an asynchronous, online curriculum.

Hill's General Studies degree comprises concentrations in English, political science, and personal financial planning.

“I never knew I could study personal finance as part of my bachelor's until I came to Tech,” he explained. “Their concentration in personal financial planning provided me with the tools necessary not only to understand financial topics but also to communicate with clients and help them reach their goals.”

He has great plans for incorporating all aspects of his degree into his life. Ultimately, he says he would like to become a personal financial coach, helping people learn to handle money, escape debt, and build wealth. And, he said, as a personal finance nerd, he also enjoyed the lower cost of his degree with Texas Tech online.

“To apply my English concentration, I'd like to write a book or make a movie. For my political science concentration, perhaps I'll hold public office (although I'd have to sell my soul for that one),” he said.

To a student considering enrolling in Texas Tech's online programs, Hill speaks with the voice of experience.

“I'd say go for it; you won't regret it. The teachers are amazing, you'll learn lots of information, and you'll balance it with your busy schedule. There are no downsides!”

“The trick is to put in the hard work,” he continued. “With college, you get exactly what you put in. If you choose online school and spend all of your time on YouTube watching funny gym fails, you won't learn and grow. But if you learn how to manage your time and devote your brain to studying, you will have a great experience. The choice is up to you.”