3 Things to Look for When Choosing an Online Program

With all the options that are available, choosing an online program can be daunting.  Not only are you faced with finding the degree that is best for your career goals, but you’re also tasked with sorting through hundreds of online college and university options to determine the right fit for your specific needs.

There are dozens of variables to weigh when choosing an online program, but here are three foundational things to evaluate as you begin the search for your online bachelor’s degree.

Choosing an Online Program that is Transfer-Friendly

If you’ve already taken college courses prior to pursuing your online bachelor’s degree, it’s imperative to confirm that the institution you’re entering is transfer-friendly, meaning, they have the infrastructure in place to ensure that most, if not all of your credits, can be transferred into your new degree program.

Many colleges and universities have transfer-friendly designations or recognitions, and furthermore, they may even have formal partnerships or articulation agreements with community colleges in your area.  These types of agreements serve as guarantees that your associate degree credits will give you a head start on finishing your online bachelor’s degree.

Be sure to look for these transfer-friendly opportunities and make it a priority to ask about how seamlessly the course credits you’ve already earned will translate into your new course of study.  If your goal is to complete an online bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible, transfer credits are your best option to forge ahead at full speed.

An Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree

Many online bachelor’s degrees claim to be the quickest and least expensive on the market, but often, these too-good-to-be-true degrees are not accredited.  Many institutions churn out degree programs with little to no accountability on program quality.

Various accreditations are simply an acknowledgment of the in-depth evaluation that a college or university has endured, and excelled at, in order to be recognized as qualified to provide the programs they offer.

Commonly acquired accreditation for colleges and universities can differ based on the area of study and region, but most often, there are very clear industry standards for a given type of program.  As you are searching for an online program, be sure to research the standard accreditations typically expected in that particular area of study.  Having a baseline expectation for accreditation can help you weed out the quality online bachelor’s degrees from the unqualified degrees.

Accredited programs are endorsed by various governing bodies to help guarantee that you will receive an education well worth your investment and that your diploma will carry necessary weight and authority on your resume for future employers.

Student Support Services for Online Bachelor’s Degrees

For a lot of students, online bachelor’s degrees can seem synonymous with an impersonal bachelor’s degree. Choosing an online program doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the personal attention of taking classes in a face to face setting.  In fact, choosing an online program with personalized student support services is an important step toward ensuring that your online bachelor’s degree will fit with your commitments, your schedule, and your life.

As you search for your online bachelor’s degree, look for colleges and universities that provide quality student support services.  These services should start at the admissions process, where you have a dedicated professional to guide you through the details of the application, financial aid, and enrollment.  Not only should student support occur through the initial phases of enrollment, but the online bachelor’s degree you choose should provide an advisor to assist you throughout the duration of your program with class scheduling, university resources, networking, and any other need you may have.

Also, be aware of class size and format – choose a program where you will receive personalized attention from your professors and have close interaction with your peers.  Building network connections and learning in a supportive environment is crucial for success both in school and after.

Many online bachelor’s degrees also have face-to-face evening class offerings, so as you’re choosing an online program, it’s a good idea to search regionally in case you want to take advantage of multiple types of class delivery.  For example, if you struggle with math and are completely daunted by the idea of tackling it online, you could opt to take that class in person during an evening or two each week.

Bonus Tip | The Next Step in Choosing an Online Program

Once you’ve evaluated transfer credit opportunities, accreditation, and student support services, you have laid the foundation for choosing an online program that will be a good fit for you.  The next step?  Choose an online program that is the right fit for you.

As you continue your search process, prioritize financial aid and scholarship opportunities.  Many colleges and universities offer corporate partnerships and tuition reimbursement programs for working adults.  These kinds of specialized aid opportunities can make or break your decision to enroll in an online bachelor’s degree program.

Ask for help along the way, and don’t forget to take some time to celebrate the fact that you’re making a life-changing decision to continue your education.  Ready to take the next step?  Start a conversation with one of our enrollment experts today.