Choosing the Right Online University; What you Need to Know
With the growth of online education, students have more and better choices than ever before.
Although having so many colleges from which to select is great news for students, for some it presents what might seem like a difficult task.
But, the selection process is generally much less difficult than students anticipate. The first step in that process is determining what a student wants in an online college or university. After that, it’s pretty easy to put together a list of questions in need of an answer.
The questions below are universal…they are a good starting point. Depending on your needs and preferences, just add to them.
Accreditation should be a primary concern. Institutions not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved agency should be crossed off your list without delay. Any time spent investigating such institutions will be wasted. Rule them out and move on.
Your second question should be whether or not a college offers a major in your area of interest and how its program compares with those elsewhere. Faculty qualifications, the availability of academic concentrations, the specific course offerings and requirements, and how well the program might prepare you for your chosen profession are all areas to investigate.
You should consider financial variables, of course, but do so carefully. Don’t just ask about tuition. It’s only part of the puzzle. Find out about the availability of scholarships, grants, loans, and installment payment plans.
Next is the question of credit for prior coursework and/or experience. Some institutions offer credit for military training, others do not. Some allow students to apply more transfer credits toward a degree. Many, but not all, will evaluate credit in writing, so students know exactly where they stand. Don’t forget that previously earned credit, if accepted, can save you time and money.
Don’t forget to thoroughly investigate student services, which can vary widely from college to college in both availability and quality. Ask in depth questions about whatever kinds of support are most important to you; financial aid counseling, academic advising, contact with faculty and fellow students, tutoring, job placement, etc.
Take some time to think about and clarify your educational and professional objectives. You’ll then be able to know which questions to add to those we’ve already discussed. As you obtain answers to those questions, you will be able to rule out some of your potential choices fairly quickly and identify others worthy of continued consideration.
For most students, getting their questions answered turns out to be pretty easy. The harder job is being certain they are asking the right questions. Luckily, that should not now be a problem for you.