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.
Below are questions that all students should want answered. The questions you add to them will depend on your personal preferences, goals, and concerns.
First, students should eliminate from consideration any institutions which are not fully accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.
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.
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.
Next is the question of credit for prior coursework and/or experience. Some institutions offer credit for military training, others do not. Some allow students to apply more transfer credits toward a degree. Many, but not all, will evaluate credit in writing, so students know exactly where they stand. Don't forget that previously earned credit, if accepted, can save you time and money.
Don't forget to thoroughly investigate student services, which can vary widely from college to college in both availability and quality. Ask in depth questions about whatever kinds of support are most important to you; financial aid counseling, academic advising, contact with faculty and fellow students, tutoring, job placement, etc.
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.
Once you have the right questions, getting the answers is relatively simple. So, you're in luck. Enjoy the process. - 16747
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.
Below are questions that all students should want answered. The questions you add to them will depend on your personal preferences, goals, and concerns.
First, students should eliminate from consideration any institutions which are not fully accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.
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.
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.
Next is the question of credit for prior coursework and/or experience. Some institutions offer credit for military training, others do not. Some allow students to apply more transfer credits toward a degree. Many, but not all, will evaluate credit in writing, so students know exactly where they stand. Don't forget that previously earned credit, if accepted, can save you time and money.
Don't forget to thoroughly investigate student services, which can vary widely from college to college in both availability and quality. Ask in depth questions about whatever kinds of support are most important to you; financial aid counseling, academic advising, contact with faculty and fellow students, tutoring, job placement, etc.
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.
Once you have the right questions, getting the answers is relatively simple. So, you're in luck. Enjoy the process. - 16747
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 colleges and universities.
