* Program of Study: Are you looking for a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a certificate, or something else? Different schools excel in different areas.
* Accreditation: Ensure the school is regionally accredited (this is generally considered more prestigious than national accreditation). Check the accreditation status with the appropriate agency (e.g., CHEA, WASC).
* Cost and Financial Aid: Tuition varies widely. Research financial aid options and the school's overall cost of attendance.
* Student Support Services: Look into the quality of student support services, including advising, tutoring, and career services.
* Reputation and Rankings: While rankings should be considered alongside other factors, they can offer a general sense of a school's reputation. Look at rankings from reputable sources like *U.S. News & World Report*.
* Flexibility and Learning Style: Consider the school's course delivery methods (live online classes, asynchronous learning, etc.) and ensure they align with your learning style and schedule.
Instead of seeking a single "best" school, I recommend you:
1. Identify your desired program and degree level.
2. Research schools offering that program.
3. Verify their regional accreditation.
4. Compare their tuition, financial aid options, and student support services.
5. Read student reviews and look at rankings from reputable sources.
Websites like the U.S. News & World Report rankings and Peterson's can help you compare schools based on various factors. You should also directly visit the websites of schools that interest you to get the most up-to-date information.