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.
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.
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 and most important is accreditation. If an online college or university is not accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education it should be eliminated from consideration immediately.
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.
Unless finances are not a consideration for you, you will need to determine the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks. And, you'll need information about the availability of financial aid (including scholarships and student loans) and tuition installment plans. Only then will you be able to see which colleges and universities are within your financial reach. Generally, if you are willing to borrow, most colleges will fall into that category.
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.
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.
Once you have the right questions, getting the answers is relatively simple. So, you're in luck. Enjoy the process. - 16759
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.
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 and most important is accreditation. If an online college or university is not accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education it should be eliminated from consideration immediately.
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.
Unless finances are not a consideration for you, you will need to determine the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks. And, you'll need information about the availability of financial aid (including scholarships and student loans) and tuition installment plans. Only then will you be able to see which colleges and universities are within your financial reach. Generally, if you are willing to borrow, most colleges will fall into that category.
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.
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.
Once you have the right questions, getting the answers is relatively simple. So, you're in luck. Enjoy the process. - 16759
About the Author:
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 college degrees.
