The number of colleges and universities offering online degree programs has more than tripled in the last twenty years. Never have there been nearly the number of choices that there are today.
While that’s something to celebrate, it does give students a lot of institutions to investigate before choosing one.
Fortunately, the narrowing down process is easier than it may seem. Step one is for students to ask themselves what they are looking for in an online college or university. As that question is answered, it raises the questions students must answer about the colleges they wish to consider.
Below is a list of questions to which all students should get answers by reviewing college publications and websites and/or speaking with admissions representatives. You can and should add to them, depending on what you are looking for.
First, students should eliminate from consideration any institutions which are not fully accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.
Next is the question of majors? Which colleges offer the major in which you are interested? How strong are their programs? Do they offer concentrations or specialties of interest to you? What are the backgrounds of faculty? All are questions worth asking.
Finances, of course, are important to most people. But, asking only about tuition does not result in a full picture. Be sure to find out about the availability of scholarships, student loans, grants and tuition installment options. All can play a role in making an institution affordable.
If you have done prior college coursework, or if you have experience for which you might be granted college credit, ask about colleges’ credit transfer policies. Specifically, be sure you understand what you must do to determine which transfer credits you might receive and the number of such credits which might be applied to your degree. In addition, ask if you can be informed, in writing, which credits will be accepted before you enroll.
The final “must” questions are about student services. Is anyone available to help you with filling out financial aid forms? How tough is it to contact a professor if you have a question? Does the college offer free job placement, and if so, how effective has it been?
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.
Once you have the right questions, getting the answers is relatively simple. So, you’re in luck. Enjoy the process.
Daniel Kane has been assisting students for more than 25 years through his positions in higher education and more than a dozen educational websites on distance education and degrees and online universities.
