Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Online College

Have you taken an online course? If the answer is no, chances are you will within one year. In fact, by early this year one in 10 college students is expected to enroll in an online degree program according to Eduventures, a research and consulting firm for the education industry. The Internet is revolutionizing the education world, making a high-quality education more accessible than ever.

By going to school online, students can get their degree without having to drive to class or follow a strict schedule. An online education allows them to study anywhere, anytime and at their own pace. Once they receive their degree, it usually results in financial rewards. According to economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, for each additional year of school completed, an individual’s earnings increase, on average, about 11 percent.

With online education being more a question of “when” versus “if” for prospective students, here are the top five considerations before selecting an online college:

1. Is the Online College Accredited?

The most important aspect any student should look into is accreditation. If a student receives an online degree from a non-accredited institution they may find that their degree is not recognized by some employers or that a course they took may not transfer to other institutions. Accreditation is a validation process, but unlike the practices of most other countries, the United States government does not ensure all online colleges are accredited.

2. What is the Credit Transfer Policy?

Every online college and university has a different credit transfer policy. It is important for students to make sure they understand the credit transfer policy before beginning an online program. Check with the institution to clarify any questions about transfer requirements, so no surprises arise.

3. What are the Financial Aid Options?

When researching an online college it is important to look into the institution’s financial aid options. According to a 2003-04 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 63 percent of all undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid options include scholarships, work-study programs, grants, loans and loan-forgiveness programs.

4. Is Your Learning Style Suited for an Online Education?

Although an online education is the ideal way to learn for millions of people, it doesn’t fit everyone’s learning style. Before starting an online degree program it is important to make sure online learning is conducive to your lifestyle.

5. Do you have Support from your Family and Employer?

In order for students to do their best academically, they need to have the backing of those closest to them. Make sure to talk about the impact of going to school and how things might be different around the house. In addition, it’s important for students to make sure they have buy-in from their employer and that their manager will support them if they spend their lunch hour catching up on a paper or answering a discussion question for their class.