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Before you choose a university for your online education, learn how its programs work in practice. Content, accreditation, costs, transfer credit, course schedules, and access to support can all shape your experience long after you submit an application.

Verify That the University Is Accredited

The . Search the database to confirm a school鈥檚 accreditation status and see which recognized agency accredits it.

Accreditation means the institution has met the academic and institutional standards of the accrediting body. Accreditation also has practical implications. Eligibility for federal student aid generally requires that your institution be accredited.

A quick search of the federal database can confirm the information before you move further into the application and enrollment process.

Find Out What 鈥淥nline鈥� Means at That School

It can be difficult to fit school into your life if you work, so it is important to know upfront the commitment you need to make to your studies. Imagine enrolling in an online program because you plan to study after work, only to discover that a required class meets live in the middle of your workday. That scenario just will not work for you.

Course formats differ from one university to another and sometimes from one class to the next. One course might have scheduled video meetings. Another might give you weekly deadlines without requiring you to be online at a particular hour. Proctored exams, group work, internships, or other requirements can add another wrinkle.

A working parent who studies after the kids go to bed has different scheduling needs than someone who can attend a live class at 10 a.m. The word 鈥渙nline鈥� alone will not tell you whether you can balance work with online college.

Review the Online Program Courses

Just as all universities are not created equal, the content of similarly named programs can vary from institution to institution.

Open the program curriculum and read through the required courses. Then look at the descriptions for at least a few of them. This gives you a better sense of what you will spend your time studying and whether the program covers the areas that brought you to the field in the first place.

Compare Costs Beyond Tuition

Much like their on-campus counterparts, online universities can offer the same programs at wildly different prices. It can also be confusing to determine how much your program or degree will actually cost.

Consider the following factors as you compare one program against another:

• Tuition
• Cost per credit
• Transfer credit policies
• Credit for professional experience
• Financial aid availability
• Program length
• Mandatory fees
• Books and course materials
• Technology requirements
• Graduation and certification costs

Opportunity cost is an additional consideration. Will an online university allow you to continue working while earning your degree so you can maintain your income? If you can work while attending online college, you may be able to reduce the financial burden associated with earning a degree.

Does the University Offer 3-Year Degree Programs?

If your goal is to earn your degree as efficiently as possible, look for universities that offer 3-year bachelor鈥檚 degree options. These programs may reduce the overall cost of earning a degree, not just by lowering tuition, but also by potentially allowing you to enter or advance in the workforce sooner.

But 3-year degree programs are not all created equal. Some accelerate a traditional program by requiring students to take more classes at once or attend year-round. Others offer reduced-credit 3-year degrees that streamline elective requirements while maintaining the program鈥檚 learning outcomes.

Which structure is the right fit for your schedule, budget, and career goals?

What Kind of Support Does the Online University Offer?

Just because online learning allows you to learn independently does not mean you are totally on your own.

From financial aid and admissions questions at the beginning of your enrollment journey to picking courses and starting classes, the school should provide support. Ask about technical resources and academic services. Find out what access you will have to faculty and how you are expected to communicate if issues arise.

You may also want to ask whether you will have a dedicated advisor, when support teams are available, and how quickly students can typically expect a response when they need help.