Online enrollment as a percent of total enrollment has more than tripled since 2002. The 2011 Sloan Survey of Online Learning – a survey of more than 2,500 colleges and institutions – reports that 31% of all students in higher education are online students.

More important than the quantity of online learners, however, is the quality of education offered by distance learning providers. According to the same survey, the quality of online learning rivals that of face-to-face. The majority of chief academic officers – and students too – describe the academic rigor of online education as equal to that of a traditional classroom.

This means you can enjoy the independence of learning on your own schedule while feeling confident you’re getting a first-rate education.

Considering online learning? Answer the following questions to see if it’s the right choice for you:

1. Do I enjoy reading, learning new things and meeting new people? Online courses require a significant amount of reading, studying and interacting with others.

2. Am I disciplined and committed? Good time management is critical.

3. Do I have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection? It could be at home, at work or at the library.

4. Can I communicate effectively in writing? Most online courses require a fair amount of writing.

5. Do I have the support of my family and/or my employer?

6. How will I finance my education? Options include federal financial aid, school or other scholarships, and/or your employer’s tuition reimbursement plan.

If you decide to pursue an online education, make sure to research the following about your institutions of interest:

1. Accreditation. Accreditation is critical; it provides an indication of an institution’s reputation and quality. General accreditation applies to the entire institution as a whole and is awarded by one of six regional accrediting agencies.

2. Program “fit”. You may need a degree to remain competitive in your job or to earn a promotion, your job may require continuing education to stay employed or you may just want the personal satisfaction of earning your degree. For most students, it is a combination of factors.

3. Experience with distance learning. The length of time an institution has offered distance and online education is important, since it means the school has established policies and procedures that work for adult students learning remotely.

4. Faculty credentials and experience. Information about the instructors’ credentials should be readily available.

5. Credit transfer. Most institutions will provide credit for previous college courses, and some will also award credit for work experience and/or other professional training.

6. Tuition and fees. When considering costs, be sure to factor in the money you save with reduced commuting costs or not paying for child/elder care, and the extra family time you gain by learning at your location.

Ask these six questions of yourself, and investigate these six areas for each school, and you will be more successful in your personal pursuit for an online education.

Saint Joseph’s College offers more than 30 online graduate and undergraduate programs in business, criminal justice, education, health administration, nursing and theology. Online courses are open 24/7, providing the flexibility of attending class and participating in discussion at times convenient to each student’s personal schedule. At the start of each program, Saint Joseph’s connects students with a personal academic advisor who acts as a coach and mentor, guiding them through their program of study to help them achieve their goals. Learn more at online.sjcme.edu or by contacting an admissions counselor at 800-752-4723.

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