Over the past decade online educational opportunities have blossomed, thanks to the convenience and ease of taking classes at home instead of on campus. At first, schools dedicated almost exclusively to online study have dominated the market, but these days 
even long established brick and ivy institutions have gotten into the game.
For some students, taking classes online is the only way that they can pursue a degree. Busy schedules, faraway campuses, or unavailable courses are some of the reasons prospective students have stayed away, problems that can be remedied through online course work.
But, not every program is equal and the results aren’t always what students had expected. Before you enroll in an online course of study, there are some questions you need to ask yourself, some of which will need to be asked of the educational institution as well:
What are your career goals? If you are planning a certain career path, what course of study would help you meet that goal? Do you need an associates degree or will a bachelors or masters degree help you realize your goals?
What programs are available online? Can your coursework be taken online exclusively or will you be required to travel to campus or some other location to take a test or accomplish some of your educational goals?
How does the professional community view the school? In some circles, online education is frowned upon, particularly if it is from a school that has no campus. Some long established schools have online courses of study, classes which are equivalent to what is taught on campus.
Is the school accredited? The United States has no Federal Ministry of Education or other centralized authority that has national control over postsecondary educational institutions in America. Each state assumes varying degrees of control over education, but, in general, institutions of higher education are permitted to operate with considerable independence and autonomy. As a consequence, American educational institutions can vary widely in the character and quality of their programs. Explore the accreditation given to that school and what weight the agency has in granting it.
Online study is convenient, financially comparable to on campus study, and perhaps the only way tens of thousands of students can further their academic pursuits. Explore your options, compare various programs, and acquaint yourself with the online school’s terms and conditions to make certain that this option is right for you.
Further Reading and Sources
Accreditation in the United States
College Planning Guides and Aid Tools
College Student Loan Guides and Tips
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