Online Education: What Should I Ask?

Pursuing your education is no small matter, and choosing a school is one of the most importation decisions you will make. Ignore the superficial things like a spiffy website or a slick sales line. Check the school out. Look under the surface. Do your research. And by all means, ask questions! If you don't look out for your interests, who will? Be ready to ask a prospective online education provider the tough questions.

We've compiled a list of important questions that require answers. And any reputable school should be more than happy to inform you fully. So, if a representative is reticent answer your questions, RUN! You are likely being taken in by a scammer.

This list isn't exhaustive. Go ahead and put together other questions of your own that could impact you. But whatever you do, be sure to write down your questions first - and be sure to record the representative's name and their answers for future reference.

1. Accredited? Where is their accreditation from and how long have they had it? Do NOT go any further with a college or university that is unaccredited! It will leave your resume in question, and, worse than that, listing a degree from an unaccredited school is a criminal offense in five states.
2. Credit Requirements? How many credits are required to earn as degree in my chosen field? Will already earned credits from another school transfer? Do they go toward my major or just count as electives? Do they offer opt-out exams like CLEP? Do they still charge for acceptance of opt-out credits as some schools do? Does prior work experience qualify as credit towards my degree? How else can I earn credit toward this degree?
3. Financial Aid Available? Do they offer financial aid assistance whether federal, state, local, private, or through their own financial aid programs? How can I apply for the above? What are the deadlines to apply? Can they help you properly fill out and file the proper financial aid applications?
4. Costs of My Chosen Degree? How much is tuition? What other costs are there for my degree? Are books and software that are required included in those numbers? What about a computer? If I own a Mac must I use a PC? What level of classroom participation is there for my degree? Does it cost more if I live out of state or even abroad? What methods of payment are accepted by the school? Do they offer payment plans? How often does tuition increase? What is the average percentage increase? Are there increases planned for the future? Is there satisfaction guarantee offered?
5. Services Offered for Students? What kind of academic services are offered to students? Things such as student advising, tutoring, and job placement? Are there any placement guarantees? May I contact recent grads or their employers to interview them briefly on their experience with the school? Will I have access to an online library other research resources? Since this is all via computer, what kind of technical support do they offer their students? Again, if I own a Mac, will student interfaces still work?
6. Credentialed Faculty? Will they provide your instructors' credentials? Do they have online teaching experience? Do instructors appreciate their online students? Has they been trained for the specifics of teaching online? For each instructor, how many students are assigned to them? What level of interaction can a student expect with their instructor? How do you contact your instructors?
7. Experience with My Degree? When was my degree first offered by this school? How many other many students are in this program? How many have been graduated? How does this field look on degrees earned online? On average, how long does it take to complete this program? How many hours a week can I expect I'll need to set aside for my studies? To online interaction? To outside requirements? How are tests administered in my major?