As you search for the right school, you may wonder what makes an online university a good one.
While this varies from student to student, there are some critical factors you need to consider when choosing the right online college for you.
Let’s look at seven factors you need to consider when searching for the right online university.
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Accreditation Status
The first thing you need to consider is the accreditation status of the degree program you’re considering.
According to The U.S. Department of Education, accredited means that the institution has developed its courses according to strict regulations and had their course offerings approved by a governing body. Regional accreditation is the highest level an educational institution can receive.
Choosing an unaccredited institution may mean your credits and degree will not be valid to some states and governing bodies. This means you’ll have spent lots of money on tuition and have a degree you cannot use in your career field.
So you must do some digging before signing up for that online degree program.
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Options For Fully Online Degree Programs
Check to ensure the online university of interest offers courses for the areas of study you’re interested in.
If you’re a working adult or live far away from campus, you’ll need a fully online degree program that allows you to learn at your own pace.
Many online bachelor’s degree programs, like criminal justice, information technology, or business administration, allow you to earn the entire degree online.
However, if you’re looking to enter the education or healthcare fields, some programs require a set amount of in-person or internship hours from online learners, so make sure you can fit those requirements into your schedule.
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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Next, look into the tuition rates for online classes. Some colleges charge state tuition, meaning it costs the same to attend online as it does in person.
However, some institutions will charge a bit more for the convenience of learning an online degree, regardless of whether or not you’re an in-state student. Look closely to see if there are additional fees for course materials or technology use you’ll need to pay.
But remember, the sticker price for tuition isn’t what you’ll likely end up paying. Look into financial aid options by filling out the FAFSA form and applying for any scholarship the school offers.
Remember that your investment in your education will be worth it in the end, so weigh your options.
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Faculty Credentials
Research which faculty members are teaching the courses. Ask these questions to get to the bottom of who is leading the online classes:
- Are they the same professors who teach the in-person courses?
- Are part-time adjuncts or full-time professors teaching these courses?
- How long does it typically take to hear back from professors?
- What credentials do they have that make them qualified to teach the classes?
- How accessible are the professors?
- How can I ask questions if I need help with an assignment or concept?
By learning more about who is teaching these online college courses, you’ll be able to choose the best online university for your needs.
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Online Student Support Services
You must do more than walk on campus for tutoring or to complete enrollment paperwork as an online student.
Check what online student support services are available to entirely virtual attendees. Even if you don’t think you’ll require them, access to online tutoring, emotional support, and networking opportunities is crucial to your success as an online student.
Ensure these services are exclusively for online students and not shared with on-campus students. Otherwise, you’ll most likely be locked into certain times when staff members are available, which may not be convenient for your schedule.
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Enrollment Requirements And Online Education Transfer Credits Policy
Sometimes online schools have rigorous admissions requirements, like SAT and ACT scores or a GPA threshold.
Check to make sure the online college will accept your existing college credits. This includes dual enrollment credits for high school students.
Things change even if you expect to stay at the same school for the duration of your college career. Make sure you can transfer every credit you earn online to another institution.
Sure, there may be some discrepancies you can’t avoid, but take the time to ensure your degree program contains accredited courses that you can transfer if needed.
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Post-Grad Support, Career Services, And Certificate Programs
The best colleges offer support services once you graduate. This is the same for online colleges.
Look for post-grad support programs, like alumni organizations, career services, and certificate programs to help your career path. Some schools even offer virtual meetings with counselors to help you decide the best move for you to make after graduation.
This is an excellent resource for any online student because it allows them to leverage their online school beyond their degree program, making it an even more sound investment.