Some accredited schools offer degrees that can be completed online or through the mail. Not every type of degree is available this way, though, especially a health- or education-related degree. If a degree can be obtained much quicker than going to campus, according to the Better Business Bureau and U.S. Federal Trade Commission, it is probably not an accredited degree. The organizations from which a school claims accreditation should be checked for on the U.S. Department of Education's list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies.
Most colleges and universities offer distance learning to students. This gives people who have other obligations the chance to take classes as they can fit them into their schedule. According to the U.S. Department of Education's website, older students taking classes online perform slightly better than those in a campus classroom. It takes special dedication to do the work and turn it in on time with distance learning. Generally, more work is involved due to the lack of classroom sharing.
Mail-order classes do not have the strict time lines of distance learning classes, which usually have assignments required on a weekly basis. Distance learning offers more options to students, interactive video classes, forums and conference calls. Most distance learning classes make the class list available to all students, encouraging get-togethers or study groups. Mail-order courses are generally for a whole curriculum or degree, whereas distance learning may be done on a class-to-class basis.
When deciding between mail order and distance learning, it is important to consider finances, such as finding out what types of financial aid are available. If a degree is desired, it may be best to go with distance learning. Continuing education courses or professional enrichment courses can be taken through mail order. Distance learning offers a variety of learning mediums, and mail order is good for people who prefer to work alone and need less guidance.
People wanting to earn a mail order or distance learning degree can do their homework to ensure the degree will serve their purpose. When all is said and done, a degree really is not worth much if nothing was learned. Most companies check credentials, and a degree that is not recognized probably will cost its owner his job. If a degree sounds too good to be true, it probably is.