The Right Online College is Waiting For You!
By Natasha Bright

It's time to shop. You've researched online schools and decided to invest in an education, joining students of all ages and backgrounds who reside all over the world. And it's likely you want to spend your money on an online college program that's the right "fit."

With any college search, advisors recommend that students look toward schools with programs and reputations best suited to their educational and career goals. Pursuing an online college education allows for taking that search one step further: by looking for programs that meet your individual lifestyle and scheduling needs. Some schools offer entire degree programs online, while others combine that with campus-based classes or class components. Taking a campus tour is likely to involve browsing the web site that is part or all of a college campus.

Browsing the wide array of online school offerings, you might "try schools and programs on" for size and comfort. In addition to determining course requirements, you might find out about areas that can improve your learning experience and keep you working to achieve your goals. Consider how flexible deadlines are and, in some instances, if they keep time zones in mind. Determine how accessible online college instructors are and if they provide timely, meaningful feedback. Consider also how online college classes are taught and whether they provide opportunities to interact with the "classroom" community via chat rooms and similar offerings. Here are online college shopping guidelines, modified from U.S. Department of Education and non-profit College Board information:

• Start shopping. In addition to touring college web sites, you might review any promotional e-mails and print and digital brochures that online colleges and traditional colleges with online offerings send you. Is a college fair planned in your area? Consider attending it as a means of finding out more information about online college offerings. In addition to speaking with college representatives, you might be able to gain input from college students.

• Make a list. Include the online colleges with the best academic reputations and schedules to help you achieve your goals. If you're still up in the air about a major or career, you might consider colleges with a wide variety of programs.

• Consider a closer look. Retention and graduation rates have traditionally suggested academic quality and how satisfied students are with a school. With online colleges, positive relationships with instructors, well-planned and taught courses, flexibility and interaction have been said to increase retention rates and enhance student satisfaction. When an online school is accredited, that means it meets current accreditation board standards. It's also more likely that you'll be able to transfer an accredited school's credits and that employers might be more inclined to accept your degree. Federal financial aid, provided only to accredited institutions, might also be more readily available to help pay for tuition.

• Chat with other "consumers." Consider asking family members and friends about their experiences with specific college courses and online degree programs. You might also approach college representatives, asking them to connect you with students or graduates. If you have an online college major and career path in mind, look toward people in your field of choice who might provide input on the colleges you're considering. And, if you're planning to enroll in online college immediately after high school, a high school counselor might provide guidance on how to best meet your needs and goals.

• Get a sub-total. In comparing tuition costs, you might also deduct any financial assistance you can receive and apply to them. The government offers financial need-based grants that don't have to be repaid. And schools, civic groups, labor unions, large corporations, non-profit organizations and more offer academic and demographic- and studies-specific scholarships and fellowships that are also, essentially, "gifts". Federal government work study programs and low- and no-interest loans might also help pay for tuition. Some financial aid offerings are awarded under specific academic circumstances, such as when classes are part of a traditional or online degree program. Online schools offer all the advantages of traditional education, with virtually none of the drawbacks, such as commute time, changing or postponing work, and time away from home. Obtaining your distance degree will take some dedication, however, the rewards in the form of new opportunities should be substantial.