Selecting the Right Online College; What Questions Should you

Title: Selecting the Right Online College; What Questions Should you
Ask

Author: Daniel Kane

Article:
There are more online degree programs than ever before.

While that's something to celebrate, it does give students a lot
of institutions to investigate before choosing one.

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.

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.

After accreditation, the next most important questions relate to
majors. At which online colleges can you find the major you
seek? How many credit hours are required to earn a degree in the
major in question? Does the program at any of the colleges offer
unique characteristics or special strengths? What degrees do
faculty members hold? What experiences have they had in the
field? What courses are required? From which elective courses
may you choose? All are important questions.

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.

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.

The necessary answers are easy to find once you first find the
right questions. The good news is that you now have all the
information you need to make a good college choice.