Online Degrees Today
The most rapidly expanding aspect of American education has been the online degree options available to students. Students can now get degrees ranging from associates degrees all the way through various advanced degree programs - all without ever setting foot in a classroom.
There are plenty of options that a prospective student should consider and even more schools that are available. Amazingly, 56% of all 2 and 4-year degree granting schools now offer some kind of distance education. Sorting through the various options can be very challenging and most students have a difficult time determining their best options.
Studies have shown that distance learning students learn as much as students in traditional programs. However, online courses require greater self-motivation from students and drop out rates are much higher for students in online degree programs. If you have the self-motivation to do the work, you should consider these programs. Read on to learn more about:
Avoiding Diploma Mills
Unfortunately, the explosion of online degree programs has highlighted a longtime problem - diploma mills. The Better Business Bureau has indicated that fraudulent schools have been a longtime problem. These schools use very aggressive sales techniques, and often promise quick diplomas and substantial credits for 'life experience'. These schools are rampant on the Internet (and in spam messages).
The best way to avoid working with one of these online schools is to ensure that a school is regionally accredited. There are 6 regional accreditation agencies that evaluates schools and ensures that they meet minimum standards of quality. There are other accreditation agencies that accredit schools, but they aren't as accepted and you may find that their credits are transferable or that you aren't eligible for various federal and state financial aid.