| For a growing number of degree-seekers, the idea of | | | | models available:o Many online universities simply |
| getting a college degree from an online university is | | | | repackage traditional college courses, requiring |
| becoming increasingly attractive. The flexibility and | | | | students to attend class online at prescribed times |
| convenience of online universities allow adults who | | | | and sometimes requiring group projects.o Others, like |
| are juggling responsibilities like work and family to | | | | Western Governors University, provide students with |
| advance their education without abandoning their | | | | learning resources in degree subject matter, allowing |
| lives. But with this increased interest in online higher | | | | students to study and learn on their own schedules, |
| education, many new colleges and universities are | | | | advancing in their degrees as they demonstrate |
| appearing on the scene, making it harder than ever | | | | competence through tests and other assessments |
| to choose. With all of these choices available, | | | | rather than simply spending time in class.o Still others |
| choosing the right online university for your needs | | | | combine online work with actual attendance in a |
| can be a daunting task. | | | | traditional classroom. |
| So, if you're seriously thinking about getting your | | | | Be sure to consider your lifestyle, motivation, ability |
| bachelor's or master's degree from an online | | | | to study independently, and time available as you |
| university, here are six important things to consider | | | | consider which academic model is best for you. |
| carefully: | | | | 5. Value and affordability - it's likely that you have a |
| 1. Degree programs - does the school offer the | | | | limited amount of money to spend on school, so be |
| degree program you need to advance your | | | | sure to look at all of the costs. While some online |
| education and career? Can you earn a teaching | | | | universities, particularly the non-profits, have tuition |
| degree that will allow you to be licensed as a | | | | that's comparable to that of a state institution, |
| teacher? Is there a master's degree program that will | | | | others are almost twice as much. While almost all |
| help you progress in your profession? | | | | offer financial aid in the form of student loans, make |
| 2. Accreditation - is the school accredited? Online | | | | sure to choose wisely-you don't want to graduate |
| universities should have regional accreditation, which is | | | | with any unnecessary debt. |
| the same accreditation given to brick and mortar | | | | 6. Student service and support - will you be able to |
| schools like Harvard and Stanford. A good online | | | | get the help and support you need when you need |
| school will also have national accreditation from the | | | | it? Since you won't be on a campus, make sure that |
| DETC, and individual degree programs in subjects like | | | | the school you choose provides the support you'll |
| Education and Nursing should also be accredited by | | | | need to feel connected. Will you be assigned an |
| bodies such as NCATE and CCNE. If the school you're | | | | advisor or mentor? How often will you be able to |
| considering is not accredited, your online college | | | | communicate with an advisor, and who will be |
| degree may not be respected by employers and | | | | available to provide extra help and support when you |
| graduate schools, so if it's not accredited, it's not for | | | | need it? Will you have access to an online community |
| you. | | | | of students? |
| 3. Credibility and Reputation - will employers want to | | | | An online university can be the ideal solution for |
| hire you if you get your degree from this school? | | | | working adults who want to get their bachelor's or |
| Ask the enrollment staff at the university you're | | | | master's degree, and there are some excellent |
| considering to share feedback (surveys, etc.) from | | | | schools who offer rigorous, challenging, and |
| employers who've hired their grads. If they can't | | | | respected degree programs. So if you're ready to |
| provide this information, this could be a red flag. | | | | start, take a little time to do some research and |
| 4. Academic model - be sure you understand how | | | | answer these questions before you choose your |
| you'll be expected to study, learn, and complete | | | | school. You'll be glad you did. |
| tests and assignments. There are several different | | | | |