Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special equipment or software in order to pursue an online degree?
Some of the most basic equipment pieces you may need to begin an online program include a computer (made within the last 3 years), high-speed internet, TV and DVD player, CD player, personal email account and cell phone or pocket PC. These are the most popular devices that online students use, however all online courses are slightly different in the way they work as well as the equipment they require.

Some courses are done completely through email, while others use more complex systems, such as video conferencing. If you do not have access to all of the above-mentioned technology, depending on where you live, there are a number of alternative options for finding the right equipment to use. Public libraries are a great source for those needing access to computers with high-speed internet. There are also used computers for sale through many different venues that are generally sold at a discounted price.

If you have a computer with Wi-Fi capability, but no Internet connection in your home (which is absolutely necessary for online learning courses), you still have many options. For example, there are many free and for-fee Internet networks offered through local businesses, such as coffee shops, that would work great for online learning.

How much does it cost to earn an online degree?
It is difficult to predict the cost to earn an online degree. There are several ways colleges and universities are supported, all of which affect the price of students' tuition. For example, public colleges and universities are supported by the government, and private institutions are not. Therefore, the cost to enroll into a public college or university's program is generally less than that of a private institution.

Tuition rates can also depend on what state claims a student as a resident. Out-of-state students generally have additional fees, since they are not a resident of the state to which they are applying. For online colleges and distance learning programs, fees are generally listed as being universal, regardless of your location. However, it is always best to check with each individual school to see how their distance learning program costs apply to your specific financial and geographical situation.

Will an online degree be taken seriously if I decide to apply for an advanced degree at a traditional university?
As long as you have a degree from an accredited online university, it should be considered legitimate by any traditional university or college. However, some online degrees may not transfer to universities from which you may wish to pursue a graduate degree. It is best to do research ahead of time, if possible, to ensure the degree will transfer to your school of choice. Your chances of acceptance will most likely be similar, if not the same, if you had received a bachelor's degree at a traditional school. Universities will review your transcript, work experience, and individual qualifications to consider you for the advanced degree program.

Is financial aid available and should I have it in place before I apply to an online university degree program?
Nearly every citizen or permanent resident of the United States that enrolls at least part time in an accredited degree program can qualify for some form of financial aid. Students from low-income families can qualify for the most government tuition assistance. In addition to federal grants, low-income students often qualify for subsidized federal loans that significantly reduce the amount of interest due during the repayment period. Many students from middle class families can easily qualify for standard federal loans. The federal government either lends money directly to students or facilitates a loan guarantee for a private lender. And nearly every American family can take advantage of PLUS Loans to parents.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your key to receiving all forms of direct government assistance for college costs. Depending on the school, it is not a requirement to have financial aid applications in before applying. Make sure you know the deadlines you need to meet in the student financial aid application process. Missing a deadline could prevent you from receiving some or all of the aid you're eligible to receive. Generally, your college must have your complete and correct information by your last day of enrollment in the school year to which you are applying. However, be sure to check the financial aid department at your school(s) of interest.

Is a degree from an online university given the same credibility by potential employers as a degree from a four-year college?
Previously, recognized institutions with online degree programs carry more weight with employers than degrees awarded by lesser-known schools. However, the acceptance of online degree programs is on the rise. Many corporations are hiring applicants with online degrees, or providing tuition reimbursement. As more traditional and quality institutions begin to offer these programs, they will become more common and widely accepted.

As increasing numbers of professionals receive their degrees and professional training on the Internet, employers uncertain of online degrees will need to re-evaluate their position. These programs are coming on strong in the education industry, as technology becomes more sophisticated and the demand grows.

Will an online degree be taken seriously if I decide to apply for an advanced degree at a traditional university?
As long as you have a degree from an accredited online university, it should be accepted as legitimate by any traditional university or college. However, some online degrees may not transfer to universities at which you may wish to pursue a graduate degree. It is best to do research ahead of time if possible to ensure the degree will transfer to your school of choice. Your chances of acceptance will most likely be similar, if not the same, if you had received a bachelors degree at a traditional school. Universities will review your transcript, work experience, and individual qualifications to consider you for the advanced degree program.

What are the advantages of obtaining a degree online?
A major advantage of obtaining an online degree is the amount of flexibility you have in regards to the schedule and pace of your courses. Many online degree programs are self-paced, which means you can speed up the degree process if you have the time, or you can extend it to meet your schedule. This is extremely beneficial for students who have prior work or family commitments and need to plan classes around their busy lifestyle. Another major advantage is that students can obtain a degree from an accredited college without having to relocate. If the school or degree you are desiring is not offered near your home, online education will allow you to attend any participating college or university without having to leave your front door!

Why should I pursue a college degree?
This is exactly the question you should ask yourself prior to enrolling in a college or university. The key is to outline your goals. Are you looking for career advancement or salary increase? Is it a job requirement? Career change? Personal fulfillment? There is no right answer to this question, but it is extremely important nonetheless. As soon as you have determined your reasoning and motivation for continuing your education, you will have answered this very question and made your first step towards obtaining your degree.

What degree is best for me?
Finding a degree that is best for you is a very personal decision. Before making the commitment to further your education, it is recommended that you first think about your goals and motivations for obtaining a degree. By outling why you want a degree, you can ensure that you are sincerely motivated enough to pursue a degree and it will assist you in narrowing down the degree that is best for you. Most traditional four year colleges devote the first two years towards a general liberal arts education, which allows students to "test the waters" and determine which subjects interest them. After two years, you will be required to select a major. Another valuable tool to find what degree is best for you is to take one of the many free personality tests provided online or in career centers, which will help define your interests and aptitudes.

Which school is best for me?
There are several factors to consider when selecting a college or university. One factor is location. Do you want to attend a school close to your home or are you willing to relocate? Online learning is also an option, which will allow students to attend schools that are located across the country, from their very own home. If you are seeking a particular degree, you can search by degree program to find out which schools offer that program and then narrow the selection from there. Another factor to consider is your finances. Be sure to look at colleges that are within your budget range or look into financial aid or scholarship options. Finally, be sure to check whether the college or university you are considering is accredited, so that you know you can be sure to obtain a quality education.

What is distance learning?
Distance learning allows students to obtain an associates, bachelors or masters degree with accredited schools from their very own home or office. Classes take places in a "virtual classroom", where all the normal facets of a class are done from your computer - including class lectures, assignments, discussions, etc. Although you are not face-to-face with your professors or classmates, you are still interacting with them online. Online learning or distance learning makes education accessible to virtually everyone without the restrictions of geographic limitations. This is beneficial to many students who need to balance their assignments with their everyday lives. More and more schools are offering courses online. Be sure to investigate your school's requirements to see if you can earn your degree strictly online or if you will be required to visit the campus for certain requirements.

Will a college degree really help me in meeting my career goals?
Obtaining a college degree can be a huge stepping stone in meeting your career goals. 'job market is competitive and most jobs will require at least a bachelor's degree in order to be considered. The U.S. Department of Commerce states that people with Bachelors degrees earn an average of 98% more income in their lifetime than non-college graduates. Those with Masters degrees earn up to 170% more. However, be sure to look into the requirements and skill sets necessary for your future career to ensure you are enrolling in the appropriate programs. If you are currently employed, talk to your employer and see what advancement opportunities are available with your continued education.

What kinds of degrees are offered by online universities?
Students looking into online universities have many of the same degree options as those attending traditional schools. Online universities offer Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees; as well, as various certificate programs. There are even a few that offer PhDs in particular areas.

Do online college degree programs provide the same quality of education that is found in traditional college degree programs?
Studies show that for most students, distance learning is just as effective as traditional in-class learning. Be sure to check that your online university is accredited, which means that the school has been reviewed for quality by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

How can I be sure that an online university is credible, and that the degrees they offer are legitimate?
"Accreditation" is a review of the quality of higher education institutions and its programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides a quality education.

Colleges, universities, online institutions and degree programs should all be accredited. In the U.S., colleges, universities, and online institutions are accredited by one of 19 recognized institutional accrediting organizations. Programs are accredited by one of approximately 60 recognized programmatic accrediting organizations.

Accrediting organizations that are "recognized" have been reviewed for quality by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE).

When researching colleges, universities or online institutions, you should look for the institutions accreditation statement on the website or marketing materials. The accreditation statement is typically required to show-up on marketing pieces. You can always ask the guidance counselor for this information as well.

Are online university courses taught by real professors?
Generally, yes, online universities are taught by professionals working in the field they are teaching. Typically, institutions require a minimum of five years working experience and a graduate degree in a related field. The benefit of learning from a working professional is they are working in the environment that they are teaching in, so they are able to apply real-world experiences to the classroom everyday.
Do online universities accept transfer credits?
Yes, generally online universities accept transfer credits, but every college/university has different requirements. You should have a copy of your previous college transcripts to send to the college, in order to verify if the credits will transfer to that particular university.

How fast can I earn an online degree?
The length of time it takes for you to complete an online degree depends on the university/college you attend, as well as your schedule and previous college experience. It is possible to start from scratch and earn a bachelor's degree in less than a year, in some cases, much less than a year. Part of this will depend on how good a test-taker you are and how much time you have to invest in making this happen. Online colleges offer flexible course times, but if you do not complete the required coursework, you will not continue on to the next class.

If your priority is to complete your degree quickly, the first thing that you must do is choose a college that accepts unlimited credit, allows portfolio assessment, and gives credit for the numerous testing options.

Will I have to attend any classes in person?
If you earn a degree from an online college/university, you will not need to attend class. All coursework and teacher communication can be done strictly online.

However, you should be aware that there are some online degree programs that require labs or retreats that cannot be done online. For those instances, you would have to interact with your teacher and peers in-person. You should investigate these requirements before enrolling in the online degree program.