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Finding an Online College

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AP Photo/Lisa Poole
Laurel Ranticelli looks at her UMASS online class information, July 1, 2008, in Springfield, Mass.

Online College Courses and Degrees: Go to College Without Leaving Home

If a busy schedule, physical handicap or other obstacle has prevented you from attending college at a local campus, then distance learning may be ideal for you. Most major colleges offer at least a few online college courses and degrees with more and more colleges operating exclusively online.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning can be a great opportunity for some but it isn't suited for ... read more »

Finding an Online College

One of the most important details to consider when finding an online college is whether the school is accredited by a respected national agency. Also consider cost, degree programs, student support services and anything else that is important to your educational experience.

Insights for Finding an Online College

  • The following sites each list dozens of colleges that offer distance courses. Make a checklist of what you are looking for in an online school so that you can easily narrow down these exhaustive lists.
  • If you prefer to search for available degree programs rather than just finding an online college, appropriate sites are listed for that, too. In fact, this may be the best way to narrow down your choices for an online college.

Top Sites for Finding an Online College

For detailed lists of online colleges ...
The Online Education Database can help you find an online college with its impressive list of the top accredited online schools. Find descriptions of each college, which agency has given accreditation and the specific degree programs offered.
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U.S. News & World Report features a distance learning guide that includes an exhaustive list of online colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
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Directory of Schools features more than 1,000 online schools and links to each college's official Web site, where available. Find online colleges in categories like masters degrees/MBAs, graphic design, Web development and more.
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The United States Distance Learning Association is a nonprofit group for those involved with distance education. Although the emphasis of the site is more on distance learning providers than on students, it has a good directory of distance learning institutions.
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For lists of online college degrees ...
World Wide Learn has a directory of online degrees arranged by degree level and degree subject. If you just want to take an online course, scroll down the left of the page to find a list of online classes and training programs.
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Financial Aid for Online Courses

Don't assume that you can't qualify for financial aid for online courses. Even if ... read more »

Distance Learning Tools

There are many distance learning tools and Web sites that can increase your ... read more »

Community Links in Online College Courses

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