For the colleges that offer the degree or certification that you seek, look at what courses they offer within your desired program. If the degree or certification you are pursuing is for state or local licensing, make certain that the college and the program meet the requirements for that license. You will also want to be certain that the college and its programs meet all the requirements for any professional groups for which you might wish to apply to after graduation.
The cost of tuition and fees can vary greatly between online colleges. After you have narrowed your choices down based on the above criteria, look at the overall cost. Some online colleges have a low tuition rate but then assess fees for other items such as credit assessment, application fees and even online account setup. When these fees are factored in, the resulting cost might be much higher than you first thought. Determine what the fees are for degree completion, transcripts and graduation, if applicable.
Unlike traditional colleges, online colleges tend to lock tuition and fees upon enrollment. That means that the cost you start with is the one that you will have for the entirety of the program. As college costs outpace inflation by upwards of 300 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Education, the locking of tuition and fees can translate into a tremendous overall educational savings.
Accreditation of a college or university is usually the single most important factor in whether a course or degree is accepted for a professional license or state-based certification. Accreditation is also an important factor in seeking financial aid. Students must attend accredited colleges or universities to qualify for state or federal financial aid.
Because online colleges have become numerous and because many traditional colleges and universities now offer online classes, most of the traditional federal and state sources of financial aid are now available to those pursuing degrees from online colleges. Low-interest student loans are also available as well. The individual colleges will have that information available to prospective students.
Those with a military background should know that in many cases online colleges are now covered for benefits. Check with your education officer as well as the online college to determine eligibility.