Great Questions to Ask About Getting Online Degrees

Your education is extremely important. And where you earn your degree can be as important as what your degree is in. That's why we've compiled some great questions to ask of any potential educational institution. Any properly accredited school should be more than open to answering you. If they're not, then you are likely talking to a scammer, and should ask your questions elsewhere.

This list may not cover questions that have occurred to you. So, go ahead ask other questions the answers of which could make a difference to you. Be sure to write out your questions first and take notes. (Also ask the representative their name!)

1. Are you accredited? Who accredited your school and how long have you held it? Don't proceed with any college or university that is unaccredited! It will leave your qualifications in question, and, worse, listing a degree from an unaccredited school on your resume or application is illegal in five states.
2. What are your credit requirements? How many credits do I need to get degree in your chosen field? Will already earned credits from another school transfer? Will specific credits go toward my major, or maybe count as electives? Do you offer opt-out exams like CLEP? Is there a charge for acceptance of such opt-out credits? Does prior work experience qualify as credit towards my degree? How else can I earn credit toward this degree?
3. Is financial aid available? Do you offer financial aid assistance whether federal, state, local, private, or through your own financial aid programs? How can I apply for the above? What are the deadlines to apply? Can you help you properly apply for financial aid?
4. How much does your degree cost? How much is tuition? What other costs are there for your degree? Are books and software that are required included in those numbers? Does your program provide a computer? Can my computer be an Apple product, or must it be a PC? What level of classroom participation is there for my degree? Does it cost more if I live out of state (or in another country, if applicable)? What methods of payment are accepted by the school? Do you offer payment plans? How often does tuition increase, and by what amount on average? Are there increases planned for the future? Is there satisfaction guarantee offered?
5. What services are offered to students? What kind of services are available to students, things like student advising, tutoring, or job placement? Are there any placement guarantees? May I contact recent grads or their employers to ask about their experience with the school? Will I have access to an online library other research resources? What kind of computer technical support do you offer your students?
6. What are your teachers credentials? Will you provide me with instructors credentials? Do the instructors have online teaching experience? Have they been trained for the specifics of teaching online? How many students does each instructor carry? What level of interaction can a student expect with the instructors? How do I contact my instructors?
7. What's your experience with my chosen degree? When was my degree first offered by this school? How many have been graduated in this program? How does this field perceive degrees earned online? How long does it usually take to complete my degree? How many hours a week will I need to schedule for my studies? For online interaction? For outside requirements? How and where are tests administered?