1. Is the
school and online school only or is it part of a traditional school?
Traditional schools may have a stronger foundation and be more
likely to be in business years from now when a student requires
a transcript or some other service.
2. Does the
school provide technical support services for those who experience
technical problems taking the course or program? Is distance learning
support a priority of the school?
3. How are
the instructors selected? Online teaching is different from standard
classroom instruction. Are the teachers experienced in these skills?
And how well grounded and respected are they in their fields?
Are reviews available from former students or from peers?
4. Are the
course materials available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
5. If you
have taken classes at another college, will the online school
accept those credits? If you are taking an online course to satisfy
a requirement at a different school, will that school accept the
course credits from the online school?
6. Is special
software or equipment necessary for the course? If so, is it easy
to obtain? Are prices and providers listed?
7. Can graduates
of online programs join alumni associations? Do they have access
to placement services?
8. What kinds
of financial services are available, for example, student loan
services?
9. Are scholarships
available? How does one apply?
10. If in
a degree program, can you get credit if you can demonstrate you
already have mastered required skills / knowledge (competency-based
program)? Is this well structured?
11. Does the
course / program relate well to the real world, for example, are
there exercises involving mock corporations for business classes?
12. What access
does an online student have to an advisor? Are mentors assigned
to assist students?
13. Are there
particular times when you are required to log in to a class? Does
this fit your schedule?
14. Does the
school have a tutoring program for online students? If so, what
is the cost, if any, and what is the schedule?
15. Is the
school / course accredited by a known and respected regional accrediting
body? Is the school reputable? Is it profit or non-profit? (This
can be verified through the Secretary of State of the state in
which the school is located.)
16. What kinds
of resources are available to online students? If a reading list
is part of the course, are these books readily found in your town
library or must they be borrowed from the school library? How
is this handled?
17. Are the
necessary college resources such as counselors, tutors, administrators
equally available to online students are for campus-based students?
18. What percentage
of students complete the online courses at this school? What percentage
drop out? Why? The higher the percentage of successful student,
the better the college and course.
19. When taking
an online course, does a student ever have to come to the campus?
20. Is there
a state residency requirement to enroll in a particular school?
How is this handled? Are charges different for non-residents?
21. Should
a student have to drop out of a course, what is the refund policy?
22. If a student
experiences an emergency and cannot complete the course, what
is the school policy? Is an incomplete assigned? What is the process
for then completing the class?
