Over the years I have look at different ways to complete my bachelors degree. These methods included taking courses at the community college, testing out of classes with CLEP and DSST tests, and even taking a a telecourse, that was broadcast weekly on my local PBS station. Online courses were not readily available at that time. Even the telecourse I took, I still had to schedule my tests at the local community college. Online classes really weren’t an option at that time.
I did manage to earn my BA about four years ago. I finished at a traditional campus school. Now that same college that I graduated from, as well about every college in operation today, is offer courses and even the ability to earn the entire degree online.
The question to ask is, “what’s the difference?”
With the all the choices, there are a lot of great schools out there, some bad ones, and even some worthless ones.
A few things to look for:
1. Is the school regionally accredited. If it is not you will be unlikely to transfer your credits to another school or have many emplorers, like the government, recognize your degree. Be very careful, because there are a lot of face accrediting agencies. Make sure the school is regionally accredited and check and make sure that agency matches the same one for a state run university in the state that school resides in.
If your program is techincal and you are attending a trade school, then that school may not be regionally accredited, but may be nationally accredited. If your intention is just learn a skill, but not later earn a bachelors or graduate degree, then you will likely be OK.
2. Find out all the fees and get them in writing. Some schools make charge you technology fees and other student services fees that can run in the thousands. All schools are going to be expensive, but if your community college offers online classes that can be applied towards your degree, that will likely be your least expensive way to go.
3. Check out at least three schools that have the degree that you want. Do not make the decision after speaking to only one of the schools or within two days of talking to all of these schools. Some of the top online schools use telemarketers to enroll students and their income and jobs are largely based on the number of students that are enrolled and retained.
4. If you have prior class work, make sure the credits will transfer in. If you are using financial aid, make sure you know what your package will be before enrolling.
5. When filing for federal financial aid, you will need to fill out the FASFA form. Make sure you are doing it from a secure government website (websites ending in .gov). You should never have to pay to file this form. There are websites on the Internet that will try to help you fill it out for a fee. Don’t do it.
6. Search the school online and see if there are any complaints about the school. If so, address them with the representative to see what information you can learn before enrolling.
Going back to school is a tough and rewarding proposition.
Good luck!
