What do you plan to study in graduate school? Not all fields of study are offered online, though the number and range of programs increases every year. Decide what degree you want to pursue and how you plan to use it. You can then start comparing traditional and online programs. The right program is the one that works for you and helps to get you where you want to go.
Accreditation is the most important consideration in choosing a graduate program. An accredited program is more likely to be recognized by another learning institution or an employer. Plus, if you plan to apply for government-sponsored financial aid, accreditation is a requirement. However, all accreditation is not the same, so do your research. There are six regional accreditation agencies, each covering a region of the country. They are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for higher Education Accreditation. "National accreditation" was designed to evaluate different types of schools and is often used by schools whose programs do not fit the model of traditional degree programs. Career and technology schools are an example. It may be difficult to transfer credits from a nationally accredited school to one that is regionally accredited.
An online degree is not necessarily less expensive than one you earn by going to campus. In fact, in-state tuition at a public college or university can cost substantially less. It can be difficult to find out just how much an online program will run. Many schools refrain from publishing tuition information on their websites, asking that you first submit your contact information. Follow-up is in the form of an email, a phone call, or both. Many online schools are for-profit organizations, so expect some salesmanship. That's not always a bad thing --- you can ask questions when you have a live person on the phone.
Collaborating with colleagues enriches the graduate school experience. Many students who take online courses report they've developed meaningful connections with classmates they've never met in person. Electronic message boards, email, smart phones, texting, and video conferencing are some of the tools and techniques used to keep in touch. Some individuals like attending lectures and enjoy the give-and-take with their instructors and colleagues in an actual classroom setting. They may also enjoy some of the other amenities a college campus has to offer, such as the bookstore, library, and arts, cultural and sporting events. Some schools offer hybrid programs, combining online coursework with low residency. For some students, this is the best of both worlds.
The advantage to taking a class online is 24/7 access. It may be an important consideration for someone who works long or odd hours and who may be balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. Some students may want and need the convenience of participating in a "discussion" via an electronic message board at 2 a.m. Other students, however, may find they spend too much time online and would rather speak than type. Large companies sometimes offer graduate courses right on their campuses to make it easier for their employees to work and go to school. People who work near a college campus might find it more convenient to take classes in person than to go online.