{"id":3333,"date":"2019-10-02T02:47:49","date_gmt":"2019-10-02T02:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/?page_id=3333"},"modified":"2023-10-04T16:56:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T16:56:12","slug":"5-signs-of-a-solid-online-college","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-signs-of-a-solid-online-college\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Signs of a Solid Online College"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4305\" src=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-Signs-of-a-Solid-Online-College.jpg\" alt=\"5 Signs of a Solid Online College\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-Signs-of-a-Solid-Online-College.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/5-Signs-of-a-Solid-Online-College-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How to Find a Solid Online College: 5 Things to Look For<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Classes and Curriculum<\/li>\n<li>Communication and Support<\/li>\n<li>Accreditation<\/li>\n<li>Technology<\/li>\n<li>Career Prospects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the age of technology, an online college is a great way to get a degree. The challenge? Finding one that\u2019s reputable and equipped to teach. By learning to spot the signs of a solid online institution, it\u2019s easier to invest wisely in education.<\/p>\n<p>Related resource:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/best\/bachelors-degree\/\">Top 10 Online Colleges for a Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>1.Classes and Curriculum<\/h3>\n<p>One of the signs of a solid online college is a comprehensive curriculum. Take a look at the classes that are required for a degree. How do they compare to major in-person degree programs at established universities? If an online program only covers the bare minimum, or if it\u2019s missing important classes, it might not be a great choice. Take things a step further by comparing the class syllabi to make sure that the course content is satisfactory. Finally, look into the availability of each class. Is it offered every semester? If not, is it possible to get all of the required credits for graduation in a reasonable amount of time?<\/p>\n<h3>2. Communication and Support<\/h3>\n<p>In a traditional university environment, it\u2019s easy to ask questions or get help from professors. Great online college degree programs offer the same level of support. To evaluate a program, look at the resources for communication. Consider options such as online office hours, class discussion boards, or the option to video chat with professors. It\u2019s also a good idea to look into the college support system as a whole \u2014 make sure that it\u2019s easy to reach financial aid, admissions, and career counseling staff.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Accreditation<\/h3>\n<p>Accreditation is one of the most important characteristics of a great online college. The <a href=\"https:\/\/ope.ed.gov\/dapip\/#\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">U.S. Department of Education<\/a> states that when a program is accredited, it means that it\u2019s been reviewed and approved by government-certified agents. Those agents look at all aspects of the program to ensure that it meets basic quality standards. A degree from an accredited university looks better to potential employers down the road, which makes it easier to get a job. When looking at different accreditations, be sure to research the certifying body and ensure that it\u2019s recognized by the government.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Technology<\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to finding a reputable online college, technology is a big consideration. After all, since almost all of the teaching and collaboration occurs online, the software can make or break the experience. Clunky, slow systems can be frustrating and make it difficult to learn. Fast, intuitive programs enable students to get the information they need quickly and without roadblocks. If it\u2019s not possible to take the technology for a test drive, look for online reviews and blog posts for feedback from other students.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Career Prospects<\/h3>\n<p>The end goal of most degree programs is simple: better or more lucrative employment. To spot a great online university, look at the post-graduation career prospects. Where are alumni working? What are the employment rates after graduation? A good career services office can provide this data. If it seems inflated, check into student or alumni groups on social media to get honest feedback.<\/p>\n<p>A college degree is expensive, whether it\u2019s in person or online. That\u2019s why it pays to investigate each institution and program carefully. By investing in a solid online college, it\u2019s easier to secure a great, well-paying job after graduation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"children\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-benefits-of-earning-a-bachelors-degree-online\/\">5 Benefits of Earning a Bachelor\u2019s Degree Online<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-surprising-degrees-you-can-get-online\/\">10 Surprising Degrees You Can Get Online<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-challenges-of-online-learning\/\">5 Challenges of Online Learning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-common-courses-in-an-online-business-degree-program\/\">5 Common Courses in an Online Business Degree Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-functions-of-the-online-learning-consortium\/\">5 Functions of the Online Learning Consortium<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-great-reasons-to-attend-online-college\/\">5 Great Reasons to Attend Online College<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-hidden-costs-of-online-college\/\">5 Hidden Costs of Online College<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>How to Find a Solid Online College: 5 Things to Look For Classes and Curriculum Communication and Support Accreditation Technology Career Prospects In the age of technology, an online college is a great way to <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.top10onlinecolleges.org\/list\/5-signs-of-a-solid-online-college\/\" title=\"5 Signs of a Solid Online College\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":1670,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"mobius_hide_qdf":false,"mobius_hide_el":false,"mobius_degree":"bachelors","mobius_category":"liberal-arts-and-humanities","mobius_subject":"general-studies","footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>5 Signs of a Solid Online College - Top Ten Online Colleges<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By learning to spot the signs of a solid online institution, it\u2019s easier to invest wisely in education. 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