The 5 Best Online Colleges for Getting a Quality Education

How important is an education? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 90 percent of high school graduates enroll in some type of college or university within 12 months of graduating high school (Education and Training, 2013). So clearly, a college education is an important step in your life as you prepare to enter the job market or pursue an advanced degree. It makes sense that you would want to find the best online colleges that will give you the most bang for your buck with the least amount of headaches along the way. Here are 5 great options for pursuing your education online at some of the most reputable schools around.

1) General education credits

The best online colleges offer students general education credits. While that might not seem like a big deal, those credits are necessary to ensure transferability of your degree to other schools. The more flexible your college is in its core curriculum, the easier it will be to start at one school and end up at another as you complete your studies. With some of these colleges, it can also help with avoiding pesky extra courses later on if you’re able to take classes in specific disciplines instead of taking them later on during graduate studies.

2) Prior learning assessments

People who’ve acquired knowledge in a nontraditional way—people who may have years of real-world experience in their field or are simply returning to school after time away from formal education—may have many transferable credits, so they can knock out an undergraduate degree faster than most. This is especially true at online colleges and universities, which often give students credit for prior learning. For example, if you can demonstrate that you already know advanced calculus or statistics from work or life experience, it may not be necessary to complete all of those requirements for your bachelor’s degree. You'll want to confirm with each institution's admissions department that it offers credit for prior learning before enrolling in an online program.

3) Credit transfers

If you’re transferring credits from another college, see if your new school will honor those credits or accept them. If they do, it’s time to celebrate. If not, look into taking courses at your local community college or online—both can be great options to gain skills that make you more marketable down the road. Online education is especially convenient if you already have a full-time job and still want to attend school.

4) Free resources

If you’re looking to get a higher education, it’s more important than ever to find something that fits into your budget. The rise of online universities and degree programs has made it easier than ever before to cut out excess costs while still earning credits toward an accredited diploma. Online colleges offer everything from high-school diplomas to master’s degrees—all without having to leave your home or work life behind. Choosing one of these options can be daunting; there are so many factors beyond price that need consideration. To make things easier, we have reviewed five of our favorite online colleges and outlined some factors that can make or break your educational experience.

5) Take advantage of classes outside your major

All undergraduates take courses in introductory and core subjects—that’s why you come to college, after all. But most college students take very few classes outside their major field of study, often to their detriment. The best online colleges require breadth of study, and so you should be sure to enroll in an elective course on a regular basis. You might not have time or money now (or ever) to study abroad, but what about taking up Spanish?