Questions to ask an online program

Online degrees can fit around work and family. They also attract some of the most aggressive recruiting in higher education, so a few checks are worth making first.

Is it accredited, and does it take federal aid

Check the school in the federal accreditation database and ask whether the online program, not only the campus, participates in federal aid.

What to do

• Confirm accreditation and federal aid for the online program
• Ask about authorization in your state
• Get the total cost in writing
• Walk away from same-day pressure

Can it enroll students from your state

Schools need authorization to offer distance programs to residents of other states. For licensed careers such as nursing or counseling, ask whether the program meets licensing rules where you live.

A program that will not tell you its total price in writing has told you something already.

What does it cost in total

Ask for the full price per credit, technology and program fees, and the number of credits to graduate. Compare that with a public college in your own state, many of which also teach online.

Be wary of recruiters who push you to enroll the same day, ask for your FSA ID, or are vague about total cost. A good program gives you time to decide.