Selecting an Online College; Do it Right
Dr. Casper Poodel
Deciding to continue your education is a no-brainer. Exploring your options and determining the best path to your next degree requires some time and (simple) research.
Your first priority should be to identify colleges and universities that are properly accredited. A school, college or university that is accredited by an approved accrediting body has successfully demonstrated that it maintains suitable academic standards. For that reason, employers will generally value a degree from an accredited college, whether earned via online or on-campus study. Degrees earned at unaccredited colleges are suspect because no independent body has ensured the worth of their educational offerings. That's why most companies and employers will not accept an online college degree from an institution school which does not have the appropriate accreditation.
Look for a degree program which will best help you easily achieve your career goals; the kind of program most successful professionals in the field have completed. And, try to find a well established degree program developed with the needs of online students in mind.
Most online colleges, but not all, offer pretty good flexibility in terms of when you can work on your assignments and how quickly or slowly you can earn a degree. If you are interested in earning an online degree quickly, or if you need to move forward slowly because of the other demands of your life, find out how long each college will let you take to complete your degree requirements. Be sure to find a university where you are comfortable with your workload and the time to degree. And, you should find a university in which instant messaging, emailing, telephoning, and/or forums give you quick and easy access to faculty members and your fellow students.
Online degree programs vary considerably in cost. Some cost far less than traditional degree programs, while others cost significantly more. Obviously, cost is a factor for most students.
Remember, however, that the "sticker price" of a college may not be your actual cost. Most online colleges and universities offer financial aid, and some offer scholarships. And, if you do a search in Google or Yahoo for "online college scholarships" (without the quotation marks), you'll find some good, free scholarship search sites.
Generally, you should apply for scholarships and financial aid as soon as possible. Most colleges offering online education employ financial aid counselors who can help guide you through this process. Take advantage of the expertise they can offer you.
The keys in choosing the best online college and best online degree program for you are taking the time to analyze your individual needs and preferences and reviewing your options carefully. It's very much like school; if you put in the time, you'll get the result you want.
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