Some people have had their eyes set on a dream college since kindergarten. Others don’t have a clue where to start. If the latter sounds like you, then finding the right college can be an overwhelming task. You may not have even realized how many options you have. California alone has over 280 universities, many of which have online college options.
Speaking of which, if you want to learn online, you now have more choices than ever. You might want online colleges in California, or you may be looking for something closer to the Midwest. Either way, online options abound. So, how do you narrow your options to find the perfect online school? Here are a few things you can do.
Start With Your Major
If you already know what subject you want to major in, start there. Not every college and university will necessarily offer the major you have in mind. Even some of the schools that have your major may not offer that program online. When you start here, you can cross a lot of schools off your list right away.
From there, look for programs with good rankings and reviews. You can find credible rankings with resources like US News and World Report, Niche, and several others. Look up your major using one or more of these options. For instance, if you want to major in psychology, you can find a list of highly-ranked psychology schools.
Overall School Quality
Of course, the overall quality of your online college matters, too. You’ll want a school with good academics, strong career training, and a well-maintained online learning platform. The sources mentioned above can help you. In addition to ranking specific programs, they also rate schools on their overall quality.
Online Learning Rankings
While you’re looking at rankings, check out the rankings for online programs, too. Some schools have earned high honors specifically for their online learning platforms. For online learners, the best schools are the ones that put just as much time and effort into their online courses as they put into their on-campus courses. The platform itself makes a difference, too. You’ll want something that’s reliable and easy to navigate.
Prioritize Your Needs
Aside from the right program and strong academics, you’ll have other needs and preferences for your school. Take a moment to think about those needs. For example, will you learn best in a school with a low student-to-faculty ratio? Would you rather attend a secular school or a faith-based school?
Consider the cost of your education, too. Your search can help you find a cost-effective option, like attending a public university instead of a private school, or choosing a local college to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. Online colleges may let you learn from anywhere, but if you live in California, online colleges in California may be your best choices. If you live in South Dakota, search for South Dakota schools. No matter where you live, you can generally save a lot of money by staying close to home.
Next, how much flexibility do you need? Online programs already have a lot more flexibility than on-campus programs, but some online programs take that flexibility a step further. For instance, some programs come with self-paced classes and no set login requirements.
While you think about these factors, ask yourself which ones matter the most to you. For many students, the cost of college is a top priority. For busy students, flexibility can matter above all else. Understanding your priorities can help you make the right decision.
Make the Most of Online Learning
Finding the right online college or university takes time, but that time is worth the end result. Your education can impact your life in several ways, including honing your skills and helping you make the right career connections. When you set aside some time to choose your best online college, you’re setting the tone for the next chapter of your life.
