Online college is not just a perk of some colleges and universities any longer – it’s become part of a new normal. More and more schools are offering online courses or hybrid options alongside traditional on-campus learning, giving students more flexibility to earn their degree.
With online courses, there are fewer scheduling and geographic constraints, allowing adult learners with families or full-time jobs to continue their pursuit of a degree and learn from anywhere.
However, choosing a college or university for an online degree can be overwhelming. There are numerous schools and degree programs, making it harder to choose the right fit for your needs. If you’re considering an online college, here are some things to look for.
Check Accreditation
When you’re evaluating online degree programs, make sure the school is accredited by an organization that’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
These organizations evaluate programs and schools to ensure that they’re meeting the highest standards for quality and rigor – whether on-campus, online, or hybrid.
There are several different types of academic accreditations, but the primary ones are national and regional. National accreditation is awarded to schools focusing on vocational or technical programs, whereas regional accreditation evaluates the school's curriculum, graduation and retention rates, and faculty credentials. Check with your advisor to learn about the accreditations that are specific to your program of interest.
For online learning platforms that offer courses, certificates, and other programs that don’t grant degrees, accreditation is not applicable. However, courses can be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and recommended by the American Council on Education.
Evaluate the School’s Reputation
Education is an investment in your future. Look into the online college or university’s reputation, which you can find by looking at the school’s rankings and by reading student reviews. Keep in mind that schools may not be highly ranked overall but may have an excellent department or program.
Student reviews should be viewed with a critical eye as well. If students didn’t put effort into their studies, they may leave a negative review about a course, professor, or program. Likewise, students who excel in academia may not reflect the school’s quality of support services for students who need help. Consider the reviews collectively, rather than developing an opinion based on one or two reviews.
Think About Your Major
Before you choose an online college or university, you must make sure that it offers the degree you’re interested in pursuing. Online degree programs are available at every level, but not all schools have identical offerings.
If you have a major in mind, look for online colleges or universities that specialize in the academic field you want to study. These schools often have institutes devoted to academic research in the field, deepening your learning experience.
You should also check into the concentrations or specializations the school offers, as they can be helpful to narrow your focus for your future career. For example, a business degree is broad, but a concentration in international finance helps you focus your studies in this area and become more knowledgeable and employable in the subfield.
Consider the Online Learning Format
Online programs aren’t identical across schools. Some are synchronous, so you will still need to adhere to a specific schedule. Others are asynchronous and allow you to work whenever is best for you while meeting assignment deadlines. There are self-paced courses as well, which allow you to start the course when you want and complete assignments on your own schedule.
In addition, different formats require different levels of communication with your classmates, such as discussion boards, social media, and more. Some courses may take it a step further with live video conferencing lectures and class participation, just like an in-person class.
You shouldn’t assume that an online class will be easier than an on-campus one. While these courses are often more flexible if you have a demanding schedule, they match the rigor of traditional courses.
Though uncommon, some programs involve a few weeks of concentrated in-person courses. If this is the case with the schools you’re evaluating, consider the location and whether you’re willing to travel for these sessions.
Consider Resources and Support
Online degree programs are ideal for independent learners, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have support when you need it. Many schools offer similar resources for online and on-campus students, including academic assistance, tutoring, career services, a library, and technology support.
Whether you’re new to online learning or you just want to know help is available should you need it, make sure the schools you’re considering offer a robust suite of online support services.
Evaluate the Cost
Contrary to popular belief, the cost for an online degree can vary as much as a traditional degree. Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on the school and program, as well as books and electronic course material, technology fees, and miscellaneous fees.
If you’re concerned about the cost, there are ways to save. Competency-based programs, which allow you to demonstrate your skills to progress faster through familiar subjects, can be cost-effective if they’re available. Transfer credits from previous courses or online platforms like Sophia can also help with the overall costs of a degree.
Is Online College Right for You?
Online learning is creating opportunities for many students looking to earn a degree, finish a degree, or make a career change with a full schedule. However, online school isn’t the best choice for everyone.
If you’re curious about virtual learning or want to earn some college credits online, Sophia can help. Find your school from our list of partners and start your free trial!
