As online education offerings continue to increase exponentially, so does consumer confusion about choosing an educational program.  Important things to consider when choosing an online course of study include program reputation, accreditation, faculty experience,  technological quality and support, student services, and related expenses.  Following is a list of important questions to answer before committing to an online learning program:

INSTITUTIONAL REPUTATION

• How long has the institution been established? 
  While a short educational history is not a red flag, a long-standing position in the educational committee is a sign of institutional security and reputability.
  

• How long has the institution offered online study? 
  A brand-new online program probably has a lot of rough "spots" that will need to be smoothed out.
  

• Is the institution accredited? 
  This becomes important when you may need to transfer credits.
  

• What are the institution's ethical standards? 
  Reputable schools will have a policy available for your review.
  

• What is the institution's financial history/current position? 
  Beware of fly-by-night operations that may not be in business next year!
  

• Is the institution truthful in its advertising and recruiting?
  No prospective student should encounter high-pressure or misleading sales practices.  If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious for any reason, listen to your instincts!

CURRICULUM QUALITY

• Does the coursework meet your educational needs/career goals?
  Taking irrelevant classes is a waste of your time and money.
  

• How current is the course material?
  Ask for a list of current textbooks or other learning materials to ensure they are current and relevant.
  

• Examine alumni success.
  What percentage of students finish the program?  How many are working professionally in their field of study?
  

• How much experience does the faculty have with online instruction?
  A novice online instructor may need some time to streamline course content and develop a good course "flow."

TECHNOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• How accessible and dependable is the online course technology?
  

• What technological support is available to online students? 
  

• When is technical support available? 
  

• Is technical support available online only, or can help be given over the phone?
  

STUDENT SERVICES

• What student services are available to online students?
  Full advising, placement, and tutoring services may or may not be available to long-distance learners.

RELATED EXPENSES

• How does the tuition differ for online courses?
  Institutions may have a very different tuition schedule for online coursework.
  

• What other expenses are associated with online learning?
  Schools may assess additional items such as technology fees or lab costs, and don't forget your at-home expenses, such as monthly Internet access fees, provider fees, etc.
  

• For more information on online education, visit Peterson's Distance Learning Portal - everything you need to research programs and courses, practice for your admissions test, and explore financial aid.