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Although distance learning has existed for decades, online schools are relatively new. The industry as a whole did not take off until Internet availability grew widespread enough to make online education a viable alternative.

Nowadays, there are many online institutions offering all sorts of college degrees, including graduate and post-graduate studies in most fields. Choosing a distance learning school can be overwhelming for first-time prospective students. In this article, we help them better understand how distance learning schools operate, including the resources needed to make an informed decision when investing in online education.

The online school must be properly accredited

Prospective students should always check whether the online school is accredited by one of the six regional agencies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. Not all accrediting agencies receive an endorsement from the government, and some are known to approve any online school for a fee. Choosing one with proper accreditation is important because it guarantees the authenticity of its degrees. Other organizations such as the Distance Education and Training Council are also valid accreditation sources.

Choosing an accredited institution is always the first step when investing in online education. In general, accreditation means that the online school meets certain academic standards that determine its quality. It also means that students could transfer credits to a brick and mortar college. The ability to use an online degree as a base for later studies, or to obtain better paying jobs, is given by proper accreditation.

Make sure the online institution has qualified teachers with experience in the field.

Another important aspect to consider is how qualified are the teachers of an online school. In general, college teachers must have a Masters degree before they are allowed to work. For universities, the requirement is even higher, with most professors having at least one PhD. It is reasonable for online students to expect the same quality when choosing an online school.

Before they enroll in an online institution, prospective students should investigate the credentials of potential teachers. If the school being researched has hired teachers with no qualifications or experience, it may be time to find a better alternative. It would be a waste of money to enroll in a school without good teachers, even if it’s properly accredited.

Look for a degree program that aligns with personal interests and is recognized by other institutions.

Every student must research the academic program of whichever degree they wish to complete, and make sure it aligns with their personal goals for higher education. Despite bearing the same name, similar degrees could have entirely different programs at two separate online schools. Choosing the one that is more in line with academic interests is important.

Another key factor is whether the academic program of a chosen institution is recognized by other online and physical colleges. This will allow students to continue their education at another university without any trouble. Looking at the specific courses comprising a degree and comparing them with their brick and mortar counterparts is always good practice. It will save students money and time along the way.

Understand the academic requirements and learning methods used by the chosen online institution.

Prospective students must be aware of how a specific online school operates before enrolling in its programs. Some online schools allow students to work at their own pace and submit assignments as they complete them, while others prefer to work with deadlines and scheduled virtual classes. In-person testing is also common among online schools with physical campuses, such as the Harvard Extension School.

Understanding the academic requirements allows students to choose the school that is best aligned with their learning practices. A parent with children and two jobs may prefer a flexible online school, while someone with no kids and a single job may perform better with established deadlines. Hybrid programs are also available, where students can attend a physical class periodically for lectures or exams.

Be aware of tuition costs and extra fees

All of the factors mentioned above are important, but so is the cost. Online education is a competitive and evolving market where prospective students are often able to find an institution that falls within their budget. Expensive colleges may seem like the obvious choice, but additional research may help people with reduced income find a suitable alternative with good teachers and a comprehensive program.

In general, distance education tends to be more affordable than traditional colleges. The potential to offer education to millions of students nationwide allows online institutions to offer competitive rates. On average, the best online schools are up to $10,000 cheaper than their brick and mortar counterparts. However, prospective students should always inquire about any extra fees that may be charged along the way.

Don’t be fooled by enrollment numbers. The real quality of an online school is often determined by its graduation rate.

Checking the number of students attending a school is a good way to determine the quality of the institution. In general, the more students an online school has, the better the quality of its degrees. The history of the institution should also be taken into account. The longer it’s been in business, the larger the probability of it offering high quality distance education programs recognized by prominent colleges.

Enrollment numbers can be deceiving though. Online schools often advertise high enrollment numbers to attract prospective students. However, the graduation rate offers a better picture of how good their programs are. A significant discrepancy between total enrollment and graduation rate might suggest lackluster academic standards. If possible, prospective students should request the opinion of current and former students to know about their experience with the institution before investing in its programs.

In the last few decades, the number of Americans who have been working overtime to cover basic expenses has been on the rise. As a result, attending a traditional college has become an expensive and time-consuming activity. Distance education has proven to be an affordable alternative for many low income families looking to improve their financial situation. Understanding how online schools work is a good step forward to make sure their investment yields the best possible outcome.