by G A R N E T
Due to rapid advances in technology, the development of sophisticated distance learning software, and students’ desire for flexibility and convenience, online college enrollment increased by 17% between 2009 and 2009. In 2009, nearly 5 million students fulfilled all or part of their degree requirements online. Overall, 25% of college students now take classes online. The University of Phoenix lonely enrolled more than 165,000 students in 2006. This figure is three times the digit of students enrolled in the nation’s top 20 colleges.
If you are taking into account a blended degree program (online & on-campus), an online program, or a now residency program (online mostly with several days a semester in residency), there are a few things you should know before applying. First, you should make sure the teach has been qualified by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov), qualified schools have met specific academic standards. An qualified teach is also eligible to participate in financial aid programs, specifically programs backed by the federal government.
The list of accrediting agencies is lengthy; visit http://www.ed.gov for the complete list. The following are just a few approved national and regional accrediting agencies. The CHEA and DETC are two of the top accrediting agencies for online colleges.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Inner Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Fee on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
With verifying accreditation, try out the admission requirements. The admission requirements for online colleges should mirror the requirements for traditional colleges. All online colleges should require a completed application, test scores, transcripts from all schools attended, an application essay, recommendation letters, a buzz interview (in some cases) and at least a 2.50 GPA. If your GPA is lower that 2.50, you may be admitted on a probationary basis. During the probation period, which is typically one semester, you will be required to maintain 3.00 or 4.00 GPA.
Curriculum is one of the most vital factors to deliberate when evaluating online colleges. A top online college will have the same or akin curriculum for its programs as a traditional brick and mortar institution. Just in this area every college or university lists curriculum requirements on their website. Same deal for online colleges. All you have to do is do a side by side evaluation of your chosen program with the same program at a traditional college.
Finding Top Online Colleges
To locate qualified online colleges, visit the distance learning department or online division at top colleges and universities. To find top colleges, simply browse through the rankings at Princetonreview.com or U.S. News & Planet Report College Rankings. Online college directories such as Top Online Colleges are useful as well as Bing, Question, or Google. Be sure to stick to organic search consequences for a better selection.
Assets:
To learn what goes on inside an online classroom, and also read in this area specific programs and their curricula, visit Top Online Colleges.
To read college rankings and reviews, visit U.S News & Planet Report Best Colleges 2010.
Written by WJContent
Tags: Accreditation, Accreditation Agencies, admission, Admission Requirements, Agencies, Association Of Colleges, College Enrollment, Colleges, Colleges And Universities, Council For Higher Education Accreditation, Distance Education And Training, Distance Education And Training Council, Distance Education And Training Council Detc, Distance Learning Software, find, Higher Education Accreditation, Middle States Association, Middle States Association Of Colleges And Schools, New England Association, New England Association Of Schools And Colleges, North Central Association Of Colleges And Schools, Northwest Commission, Online, Regional Accrediting Agencies, Requirements, U S Department Of Education, University Of Phoenix
