Ask the Right Questions

Deciding whether a particular school is right for you requires asking smart questions. The following guide will teach you to do just that.

Start by speaking to a college admissions advisor, and when you do, ask smart questions. This will help you to quickly determine if the school will fit your needs. Your questions should fall into three main categories: tuition and fees, accreditation and associations, and general course information.

Tuition and Fees

Ask the advisor for an exact breakdown of the per-credit tuition cost, lab fees, administrative fees and any other special fees. Ask if the school offers scholarships, discounts, fee waivers or book and tuition vouchers.

Accreditation and Associations

Ask about the school’s accreditation. Accreditation helps to assure you that the degree you earn is valid. Schools that are not accredited are generally referred to as diploma mills.

General Course Information

Ask the advisor the following general questions about the course and delivery methods:

What degree programs does the school offer? How long are the courses? Are the courses back-to-back or do students take several at a time? Are courses offered online, in a classroom or both? How are the online courses delivered? How do students interact with the instructor and each other? What are the admissions deadlines? How many credits are required for a degree? Are course grades based on test scores, essays or both?

With these questions answered, you are well on your way to choosing the right school and earning your degree.

Finding the school that fits your needs isn’t impossible, but it does take some homework. Fortunately our School Finder has done much of this homework for you by eliminating the unaccredited schools and partnering with schools that are experienced in helping people reach their education goals.