5 Things to Look Out for When Selecting an Online Learning Program

“Since it first came on the scene, online learning has gone from strength to strength. Today, students are no longer confined to an on-campus setting; whether you’re hoping to study for a bachelor of science in nursing, a master’s in engineering, an MBA or even a Doctorate of Education from this school, you can find a huge assortment of options to choose from online.”

But, with so many different e-learning pathways to take, it can be difficult to know you’ve made the right choice. Here are five things to look out for when signing up for online study.

#1. Reputable College or University 

When it was first introduced, online learning was mainly done via online-only colleges and program providers. However, today more and more traditional campus-based colleges are realizing the high demand for e-learning options. So, make sure that the college and program are accredited before you sign up.

So, when you’re looking for an online degree program, check out well-known universities to see if remote learning is in the prospectus.

#2. Reasonable Tuition Fees 

For the most part, learning online is cheaper than on-campus. So, don’t pay more than you need to. In general, you can expect e-learning programs such as an online nursing degree to cost you around one-third less than the in-house alternative.

Remember: online students may still be eligible for financial aid to help with paying tuition fees or living costs.

#3. Maximum Tutor Contact Time

Studying for a college degree is no easy task and it can be even more difficult when you’re studying online since you don’t have the added support of the classroom. To combat this issue, look for a program that offers a generous amount of contact time with your tutor.

A program that requires you to regularly check in with a member of teaching staff can help you to stay on track and keep up to date with your work.

#4. Exams or Coursework? 

If you were studying on-campus, exams wouldn’t be much of an issue. But, since online learning offers students the opportunity to study at colleges and universities located all over the U.S. and beyond, signing up for a program that’s assessed via exams could be tricky if your college is hundreds of miles away.

On the other hand, programs that are assessed via coursework can be completed entirely from home; all you’ll need to do is upload your work to the portal.

#5. New Student Orientation 

Signing up for a college degree online can be daunting, so it’s good to choose a program that offers help and guidance throughout the orientation period. Many online students don’t want to be cooped up at home the whole time; opt for a school that promotes virtual student meets and e-learning festivals, for example.

Additionally, some online schools offer a free trial period, after which you can decide whether the program is for you.

With a massive assortment of online schools and programs to choose from, it’s important to narrow your options down to the best choices before you enroll.

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5 Things to Look Out for When Selecting an Online Learning Program