What are some respectable online universities or established colleges that offer online degrees?
Question:
Answer:
The state universities and community colleges will be the best and least expensive way to further your education online. Usually degrees obtained online from state universities and colleges will be no different than a degree granted to a student sitting in class. You probably won't get a scholarship, but financial aid is possible.
Stay away from the for-profits because of high cost. Some will be reasonable, but most, like University of Phoenix, overcharge. Additionally, whether it is deserved or not, some for-profit schools have a certain stigma applied to them. Some employers consider them as watered down education.
If you are just starting your college education or have less than 60 semester credit hours, try your local community college first. They may have an online AA degree program. If they don't, try other community colleges in your state.
Once you have an AA degree, you can enroll in an online bachelor's degree completion program at one of the state universities. Many state universities now have online degrees. The following are some websites to get you started.
http://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/...
http://www.peru.edu/offuttafb/degreeprog...
http://outreach.uwyo.edu/ocp/
http://www.distance.msstate.edu/...
http://www.distancelearning.ufl.edu/degr...
http://www.apu.apus.edu/index.htm...
http://www.online.uillinois.edu/...
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ode/collegeover...
When comparing tuition costs, you have to check if the school is on semester or quarter credit hours. To convert from quarter hours to semester hours, divide the tuition by 0.67. For example, if tuition is $180 per quarter credit hour, that is equal to $268.66 per semester credit hour.
Finally, when you choose a school, make sure it is at least regionally accredited. You can check accreditation at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.a... You can learn more about accreditation at http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/i...
Finally, there are a couple of forums online with members who have obtained their degrees online. Some have gone pretty far with their online degrees. The forums are free to join but you can read the forum without joining. You just won't be able to post. http://forums.degreeinfo.com and http://www.instantcertonline.com/forums...
Good luck
A lot of established universities have online degree programs, try your state shools, any school you ever had any interest in or do a search for online degrees in whatever field you are looking in. Online programs are very popular and not just limited to University of Phoenix or Accapella university. I would do a little research based on whatever your interest is.
The most reputable online college programs are those offered through actual, real live, brick and mortar universities.
The good news is that there are more and more state universities offering coursework, and even degrees, online.
Look at your own state university first. If it does not have courses you are interested in its "distance education" program, then look at other major state universities.
Here are some superb links to guide you toward finding the right state university distance education program for you.
More Questions & Answers...