Learn from home and at your own schedule with online colleges.
A good online college enables you to learn from home or from a library or while traveling. Get a college degree around your busy life and schedule, fitting in classes and homework in the mornings, late at night or even while on a break during the middle of the day. Attending an online college may seem ideal for busy adults. However, be cautious when selecting an online college. Avoid scams and find a good college that will help to advance your career.
Avoid Diploma Mills
The U.S. Department of Education warns consumers against attempting to get a degree through diploma mills. These businesses, never properly accredited, exist primarily to take money from unsuspecting students. They promise fast results, but deliver sub-par educations. If an online college seems too good to be true -- it charges very little compared to other colleges, or it promises you'll have a degree much faster -- it probably is. Take the time to check the U.S. Department of Education's College Accreditation list. If one of the organizations on the College Accreditation list didn't certify an online college, chances are it's not one of the good ones.
Bypass Third Parties
On television and across the Internet, you may see advertisements for websites that let you search for online colleges. While these are not "bad" websites per se, and they may recommend plenty of good colleges, remember that they are third parties that exist to make money. They may not charge you to perform a search, but they could be charging colleges to appear in their listings. This means they could recommend bad as well as good online colleges simply because they received a fee. Instead, use the National Center for Education Statistics' Web site, which is an independent, government-run site. Type "online" in the search box to see a list of online colleges.
Degree and Class Offerings
Once you've separated the questionable online colleges from the good, accredited colleges, it's time to decide which colleges are good for your individual needs. Do research on your top choices. Search online class listings and the requirements and offerings in your intended major. Don't be shy; call the college and ask to speak someone who can walk you through the degree offerings and requirements. Good colleges are always willing to help you make a decision before you enroll.
Financial Aid
Another indication of a good college is one that offers plenty of opportunities for financial aid. Online college may sometimes be cheaper than traditional colleges, but they still require an investment. After you've found several online colleges that meet your degree goals, research the extent of financial aid they offer. If the college has a campus location, be aware that online or adult learners don't always qualify for the same financial aid as on-campus, full-time students. Speak to a student financial planning representative over the phone or online to learn your options. The best college for you offers what you need on a budget that meets your ability to pay.
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