With the growth of online education, students have more and better choices than ever before.
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.
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.
The questions below are universal...they are a good starting point. Depending on your needs and preferences, just add to them.
Accreditation should be a primary concern. Institutions not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved agency should be crossed off your list without delay. Any time spent investigating such institutions will be wasted. Rule them out and move on.
Your second question should be whether or not a college offers a major in your area of interest and how its program compares with those elsewhere. Faculty qualifications, the availability of academic concentrations, the specific course offerings and requirements, and how well the program might prepare you for your chosen profession are all areas to investigate.
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.
The next most important factor for people with significant professional or college experience is the transfer credit policy of each college on their list. For what experiences is college credit awarded? How many transfer credits can be applied to a degree? Will your college credits be evaluated, in writing, prior to your enrollment? Remember that the more transfer credits you are granted, the shorter your path to a degree.
You also need to ask about student services. Start with financial aid counseling. Then find out if online tutoring is available. Will you be able to email professors if you have a question or problem? Will you be able to confer with classmates? Be sure to ask. And, find out about job placement and any other services important to you.
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
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. - 20896
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.
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.
The questions below are universal...they are a good starting point. Depending on your needs and preferences, just add to them.
Accreditation should be a primary concern. Institutions not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved agency should be crossed off your list without delay. Any time spent investigating such institutions will be wasted. Rule them out and move on.
Your second question should be whether or not a college offers a major in your area of interest and how its program compares with those elsewhere. Faculty qualifications, the availability of academic concentrations, the specific course offerings and requirements, and how well the program might prepare you for your chosen profession are all areas to investigate.
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.
The next most important factor for people with significant professional or college experience is the transfer credit policy of each college on their list. For what experiences is college credit awarded? How many transfer credits can be applied to a degree? Will your college credits be evaluated, in writing, prior to your enrollment? Remember that the more transfer credits you are granted, the shorter your path to a degree.
You also need to ask about student services. Start with financial aid counseling. Then find out if online tutoring is available. Will you be able to email professors if you have a question or problem? Will you be able to confer with classmates? Be sure to ask. And, find out about job placement and any other services important to you.
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
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. - 20896
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.
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