Getting an education has never been easier. Colleges and universities have responded to the increasing demand for distance learning by rapidly expanding their selection of online courses and degrees. Virtual degrees are a great option for people who aren't able to attend school in a traditional classroom setting due to disability, geographic isolation, or a need to work full-time. With a plethora of degree programs available, potential students must be prepared to put some effort in selecting a reputable program.

• Type of Institution — Online degrees are available through both traditional and "virtual" universities. Traditional universities often have a distance-learning department that coordinates online courses and degrees. Virtual universities will be almost entirely Web-based. Your choice should not be based solely on whether an institution is traditional or virtual, but how the school's programs, cost, methods, and accreditation fit with your needs.
• Credibility — Most institutions will refer to their accreditation as a selling point for inquiring students. The purpose of accreditation is to provide a standard by which institutions can judge each other, which makes the process of transferring credits easier. Check with your regional accreditation board to see if your preferred institution is approved. All regional accreditation boards are coordinated by the Council for Higher Education. While some institutions may be accredited by other organizations, credits may not be easily transferred from these schools.
• Cost — Beware of online programs that offer inexpensive, amazingly fast degree programs. Since there are often no state regulations regarding the title of "college" or "university," companies can sell degrees at their discretion. These "degree mills" can offer expensive, sometimes worthless degrees.
• Methodology — Even within the field of online education, you may want to consider what type of online program is best suited to your needs. Some programs are almost entirely self-taught, requiring the student to read and comprehend information with little instructor interaction. Other programs may demand that students watch digital videos of lectures. Keep in mind the modem speed necessary to make these downloads hassle-free.

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Written by Christina M. Locke