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Why Pursue an Online Education? 

Online learners use a virtual format to complete coursework. Many online college courses use the same materials and instructors as their on-campus counterparts. But, the online learning delivery method is different. And this flexibility appeals to many prospective students. 

Completing an online degree typically takes the same time as a traditional in-person degree. For example, full time undergraduates can complete an online bachelor’s degree in four years. Graduate students can finish a master’s degree in roughly two years. Schools also have accelerated programs that students can complete in less time.

How to Choose an Online College

How do you choose an online college and degree program that fits your goals, schedule, and budget? For many students, tuition cost is the most critical factor. But, other factors impact education and career options. So, beyond evaluating if you can afford a program, take time to identify the different kinds of support you need for success. Start your school search with a list of accredited online colleges that interest you. Then, begin your research!

Research Program Cost

How much does online college cost? Tuition is the most significant factor for many students. Furthermore, it varies between schools and even programs in the same school. Generally speaking, public in-state schools offer the most affordable tuition. Per credit, costs are also different for different degree levels. For example, an associate degree is often less expensive than a bachelor’s degree. And a master’s or graduate program is almost always more expensive than an undergraduate degree.

Although most private schools are more expensive than public schools, you want to ensure you have the entire picture. In addition, many private schools offer robust financial aid packages that can make the total cost comparable to or less than a state school. So, the best strategy is to choose the schools you want to attend and get a financial aid offer. This is the only way you can compare apples to apples. Finding the three to five schools you wish to attend the most is best.

Online Student Tuition

Is it cheaper to get a degree online? It can be. Many schools now offer a lower tuition rate for online students. Because schools don’t have to maintain all the overhead costs of a classroom, many can afford a lower rate. In addition, students can save money in other ways with online education. For example, students save money since they do not need to commute to campus or relocate to attend the most affordable program. In addition, many online programs have an asynchronous delivery format so students can work while they earn a degree.

Other Fees

Online learners should budget for tuition and additional fees. Most schools also charge student fees and technology fees. And students also need to rent or buy books and class materials each term and probably buy a computer at least once. In addition, some online colleges charge graduation fees. Finally, suppose the program you attend has on-campus components. Then, there will be an added cost for travel and lodging when you follow these events. 

Total Cost

Prospective students can ask advisors about a degree’s total cost before they choose a school. The total price should include tuition and fees and give you the best idea of how much you will spend.

 
Accreditation 

Accreditation status can reflect a school’s academic standards, methods, and administration practices. It essentially validates a program to employers and other institutions. Below are a few reasons why it is essential the school and program you attend have accreditation.

Transferring

If a student changes programs, a transfer-friendly school will likely accept course credits from an accredited institution. However, credits from a nationally accredited college may not be transferable to a regionally accredited college. 

Getting a Job

When you get a job, some employers may not hire you if your degree does not come from an accredited institution. And within specific professions, the degree program needs to have accreditation. For example, nursing programs have particular accreditation.

Financial Aid

Institutions must have accreditation to receive funding from the federal government. So, if you need financial aid to attend college, you must attend an accredited school.

Types of Accreditation

Two organizations oversee the accreditation agencies in the US. They are the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education. The main two types of school accreditation are regional and national. 

Regional School Accreditation

Other schools recognize this accreditation so students can transfer credits from one school to another. There are seven regional accreditation agencies.

National School Accreditation

National accreditation is usually for career schools or schools for religious education. It is a reputable accreditation but can limit your options with some degrees. Regionally accredited schools view these schools as less rigorous. If you transfer, a school may only give you partial credit for classes from a nationally accredited school.

Program Accreditation

Specialized degree programs also have accreditation from other accreditation bodies. For example, some degree programs with programmatic accreditation are Nursing, Social Work, and Business. 

Choose a College Major

Many students already know what they want to study. However, there are a lot of students that need time to explore different options. To choose a major, consider your strengths, what subjects you enjoy, career options, the job market, and if you will earn the salary you need after graduating. Let’s be honest. No need to go to college if you leave making the same or less money.

The most common bachelor’s degrees are business, health professions and related programs, social sciences and history, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, and psychology. Online programs help build vital critical thinking and analytical skills. They also hone problem-solving, research, writing, and communication skills.

Student Support Resources 

Though lacking a physical advisor or career services office, the best online colleges still provide these resources remotely. With support from various specialists, students are more likely to make informed decisions to complete their online programs. In addition, college graduates are more likely to land a job before they finish college if they have advisors. Students may encounter a few different advisors on their education journey. These include admission advisors, finance or financial aid advisors, academic advisors, and career advisors.

Online Learning Formats

Online degree and certificate programs offer several deliveries and attendance options. But, first, consider which online schooling structure best fits your needs.

Hybrid or Blended Online Programs

Also known as hybrid or mixed-mode learning, blended courses incorporate in-person and online instruction. The breakdown of how much time is spent on campus versus online varies by school. But, blended programs generally have 30 to 70 percent online delivery, with the remainder in-person.

Fully Online Programs

The programs are 100% online, and students never need to travel to a campus. However, many schools do have optional graduation ceremonies for students to attend. Thoroughly online programs may teach classes in a synchronous, asynchronous, or combination delivery format.

Synchronous Classes

Learning takes place simultaneously or in real-time with these online courses. Like a traditional classroom, students interact and meet their instructors online on a set day and time. 

Asynchronous Classes

Students enrolled in asynchronous courses watch pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments or homework on their own time. These online programs are popular with adult learners since they allow them to fit education into a busy schedule.

Paying for School

Many financial aid options make college more affordable for students. But, many students want to know if they can get federal financial aid for online schools and degree programs. The answer is yes. Online colleges qualify for federal funding and financial aid opportunities if the school has accreditation. 

Federal Student Loans

Qualified online college students can take out loans from the federal government or private lenders. Federal loans generally offer lower interest rates. They also have more repayment options than personal loans. Additionally, students must file a FAFSA annually to qualify for government loans. After completing the FAFSA, students receive s Student Aid Report (SAR) that schools use to determine needs.

The US Department of Education lends students money for school with subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in school. However, students who receive unsubsidized loans are responsible for paying back interest. 

Private Student Loans

These loans are popular for students who, based on the FAFSA, don’t have a lot of student needs. However, they probably don’t have the extra money to pay out of pocket for college. These loans are advantageous but should be secondary to government loans for a few reasons. Typically, private loans do not have the protections of federal student loans and have higher interest rates. Some of these protections include deferment for hardship if you lose your job, income-based repayment, public service forgiveness, and cancellation if you are disabled. 

Grants

Students do not repay grants unless they drop out of the term in which they received the money. This money comes from federal and state governments. Most grants are income based and for students with the most financial need. For example, the Pell Grant is widely distributed to undergraduate students.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a significant financial aid option since students do not have to repay them. There are many scholarships, especially in high-need professions like nursing and cybersecurity. A great way to find scholarships specific to you is through the school you decide to attend. There are national and state scholarships. But there are also many local and community scholarships. Additionally, specific groups like veterans, active military members and military service members have additional resources available.

Admission Requirements for an Online School

Many online schools have a different admissions process from brick and mortar schools. For specific details on the application process for each school, go to their website. However, most admission requirements include at least some items in the list below. So, it makes sense to gather this information before you start.

Undergraduate Requirements: 

• completed online application with fee
• high school diploma or proof of graduation
• test scores from SAT or ACT
• completed financial aid forms

Graduate Level Requirements: 

• completed online application with fee
• submit transcripts from the undergraduate degree
• test scores from GRE, GMAT, or LSAT
• 1 to 3 letters of recommendation 
• essay, writing sample, or statement of purpose 
• interviews
• transcript evaluations
• the school may request other additional materials

Most applicants choose five or more colleges. If the school or program has a set deadline, make sure you apply early. Many schools now have rolling admissions, allowing students to apply anytime.