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By Brian Burnsed
An online education can be a risky venture. Use these tips to guide your research before you enroll
Online universities -- particularly for-profit institutions -- are under a congressional and regulatory microscope. Lawmakers and officials at the
1. Check for accreditation.
There are six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. If an online school hasn't been
accredited by one of these, there may be reason for you to be wary of the school's quality, or at the very least of your
ability to transfer credits should you choose to attend another school.
2. Talk to graduates and former students.
You may use social networks like
3. Check with employers.
How do they regard online degrees? Most people pursue an online degree with a specific job or specialty in mind. So why make the sacrifice the time and money before you're certain of the end result? Talk to employers in your field of interest and see if they're receptive of applicants with online degrees. If they're not, striving for an online degree would be futile. "While some employers, such as state and government agencies, are quick to accept these degrees, other employers remain a bit old fashioned and don't feel these degrees are the 'cream of the crop' or carry the same weight as traditional degrees," says Pat Wyman, author and founder of teaching site HowToLearn.com.
4. Review the data.
5. Ensure that there are student services.
You'll need more than a good work ethic to get through your online education. See what the school offers you beyond the
virtual classroom. "Most institutions allow you to register and pay online but not everyone provides for academic advising,
financial aid advising, career counseling, etc...without coming to campus to take part in those services," says
Cherron Hoppes, dean of undergraduate programs at
Available on Amazon.com:
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Online Universities: 5 Tips Before You Pursue a Degree