| If you are looking to get a college education but do | | | | credits were accredited, your current online school |
| not necessarily want to attend an actual university, | | | | would insist on you doing over those courses with |
| getting an online degree is your best alternative. | | | | them. Just bear in mind that every school has |
| Previously, very few degree programs were available | | | | different rules. You can give yourself the highest |
| via this method. These days however, there are as | | | | probability of getting your college credits accepted by |
| many if not more degree programs and courses | | | | attending accredited colleges only. |
| available via distance learning than there are at the | | | | Also bear in mind that it is not only an issue of |
| traditional bricks and mortar colleges. | | | | whether or not your credits can be transferred out |
| It is becoming increasingly common for people to join | | | | but also how many credits can be transferred. |
| an online college because of the convenience and in | | | | There are schools that allow you to transfer all of |
| some cases, the financial savings. However, are you | | | | your credits while others have a limit as to how |
| just going to enroll with the first online school you | | | | many you can transfer. It can be a pain dropping |
| hear about without doing your due diligence? | | | | credits that you've invested your time, energy and |
| Before you enroll, there are some things you want | | | | money into. It may however be worth it if you feel |
| to know first. | | | | that the particular school you're interested in offers |
| The main thing is to ascertain whether or not the | | | | the quality degree program you need. |
| college is accredited. Accreditation is what separates | | | | Something that often gets overlooked when looking |
| the bogus colleges from the legitimate ones. To find | | | | at online colleges is what kinds of student services |
| out if a college is accredited, just go to Google and | | | | are available. |
| do a search for the "Chea" website. They have a | | | | Many online schools do offer a career services center |
| comprehensive database of accredited institutions | | | | just like any other university. This gives you an |
| within North America. | | | | opportunity to communicate with a counselor and |
| Accredited online colleges have better instructors and | | | | look at what are the best courses for you to take |
| facilities and their degrees are widely accepted | | | | and the opportunities available in the job market |
| amongst employers. Some students try to cut | | | | after graduation. You want to find out if your |
| corners by attending an unaccredited college because | | | | intended online school has this facility in place. |
| it is less expensive than an accredited one. Despite | | | | Not to be out done is the all important issue of |
| the costs, it is well worth it to pay more to get an | | | | money. |
| actual degree that you can use in the future. | | | | Most accredited online colleges are similar in price to |
| Studies have shown that accredited online colleges | | | | regular universities. You'll need to find out from your |
| are comparable to regular universities. If you read | | | | prospective online school what kind of financial aid |
| Thomas L. Russell's book and website, No Significant | | | | they provide. Not all online schools offer the same |
| Difference Phenomenon," you"ll be presented with | | | | number of financial aid opportunities. This could very |
| copious empirical evidence that suggests that in | | | | well be the deciding factor in attending one online |
| terms of education quality, pass rates and drop out | | | | college or the other. |
| rates, online and traditional colleges have similar | | | | Also note that if a college is accredited, you"ll be |
| performance levels. | | | | eligible for Federal financial aid. As a matter of fact, a |
| You may be able to do a basic computer or | | | | surefire way to determine accreditation is to see |
| book-keeping course online without accreditation but | | | | whether or not Federal financial aid is available for |
| if your plan is to get a degree, accreditation | | | | degree students at that school. If it isn't, the school |
| absolutely cannot be compromised. | | | | isn't accredited. |
| The next issue you need to be aware of is whether | | | | Venturing into the online college world can be exciting |
| or not your prior college credits will transfer over to | | | | but it is important that you ask the tough questions |
| your prospective online college. The best case | | | | before you throw down your hard-earned cash. |
| scenario is joining a university that accepts all of the | | | | There are many online universities out there, so take |
| hard work you put in before. This way, you'll be able | | | | your time, do your research and seek advice if needs |
| to complete your degree much faster. | | | | be. |
| There is the possibility that even though your prior | | | | |