Decide what type of degree you want to earn and in what subject. For instance, you might want an associate's degree in accounting or a master's degree in English. Be sure of exactly what you want before you begin searching, as not all online schools offer the same level of degrees or the same specialties.
Search the Internet and compile a list of schools that offer the type of degree and major you are looking for.
Check each school's accreditation. Attending an accredited school that can affect the validity of your degree in an academic or a professional arena. Eliminate any schools that are not nationally accredited.
Research the credentials of the faculty at the schools on your list. Choose programs that have a well-educated faculty with work experience in their fields. For example, if you're thinking of attending a bachelor's degree program in creative writing, you want teachers who are actively writing and consistently being published in addition to teaching. The importantance of teachers who can offer real-world experience in your chosen field cannot be overstated.
Research the cost of the schools on your list and their financial aid options. Before you get your heart set on attending a particular program, you want to make sure you can afford to go.
Determine the technical requirements of the schools on your list. Some schools require that you install special hardware or software on your computer in order to attend online. Other schools simply require that you have a certain Internet speed. Check on the availability of their tech support if you're technologically challenged.
Inquire about the schedules available at the schools on your list. Some schools allow you to complete course work on your own time while other schools require you to attend virtual classes at certain times during the week. If you are a parent and/or working, you might have to adjust your schedule. If this is the case, you will need to know the schedule as far in advance as possible.
Search online for current students' and alumni's opinions of the schools you have chosen. Although you have conducted extensive research, often the best indicator of an organization is the satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) of its members. If students have complaints about specific teachers or classes, you might want to avoid those if possible. However, if they have problems with the school's policies, administration and tech support, you might want to choose another school.