How to Choose an Online School
Online education, also known as distance learning, has become a staple among the many education option available throughout the United States.
From busy professionals to working moms, millions of people are seeking their education via the Internet.
Choosing an online school or program of study can be one of the most important decisions you make with regard to your education. Just like selecting a traditional brick-and-mortar school, choosing an online school should follow thorough research of an institution and its programs.
Tips for Choosing an Online Program
There are several factors that should be considered before deciding on an online program of study.
- Accreditation: Is the school you are considering accredited by a recognized accreditation organization? Accreditation is an important sign of the school's legitimacy among the academic community. You can find out if a school is accredited through the nationally recognized Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- Diploma Mill: Many so-called schools simply charge "students" a fee in exchange for a diploma, often with no actual education provided. You should make sure that the school you are considering is not a diploma mill.
- Standards and Practices: Most schools will boast about their educational standards and practices when it comes to academics. Make sure the school you are considering stands behind theirs.
- Retention and Graduation Rates: When choosing any school, finding out the school's drop-out rates as well as how many of their students go on to graduate is important.
- Cost: Often one of the first concerns for any college-bound student is how much will their education cost? Also, it is important to find out if the school you are considering is eligible for federal student aid.
- Employer Reimbursement: If you are currently employed, it would be a benefit to you and your wallet to find out what programs are eligible for reimbursement through your employer.
- Campus: If the online program you are considering is provided by a traditional institution, you can gain additional insight by visiting the school's physical campus.
- Credit Transfer: Many students make the mistake of taking courses only to find out that the credits they earned will not transfer to another school. It is important to find out if the school's credits are accepted by other educational institutions.
- Distance Learning Focus: Does the school put a great deal of focus on distance learning or does it consider its online programs a minor component of the overall curriculum? If the school places a lot of focus on distance learning, chances are its courses and support for online students will be strong.
- Degree Programs: Does the school offer a degree program in the field of study you are considering?
- Class Schedule: One of the benefits associated with distance learning is the flexibility afforded by many online courses. You should make sure that the course's schedule fits in well with the other priorities in your life, like work and family.
- Teacher Certification: To ensure that the education you receive is valuable, you should find out if the school's instructors are certified to teach in their specific areas.
- Online Training: Additionally, are the instructors at the school you are considering trained specifically in online education practices?
- Course Design: When interviewing a potential school, you should question the school's representative about the design of the institution's online courses to ensure that they provide a variety of educational components.
- Number of Students: Some schools try to cram as many students into an online course as possible - this practice, however, can diminish the quality of instruction the teacher is able to provide. You should find out what the maximum number of students per online course is for the school you are considering.
- Support Services: What type of educational support services does the school provide to its online students? Additionally, are there any special technical support services offered?
