Welcome to BestOnlineUniversity.org, where you’ll find lots of information about finding the best online university for you.

You’re here because you’re interested in studying at online colleges and universities–and you are not alone. The number or people engaged in distance learning or distance education has skyrocketed over the past several years; from 2003 to 2007 alone, online schools saw their enrollment figures double to 3.9 million. To put that in perspective, traditional universities saw only 12% growth over that same time period.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about finding the best online university for you, read on.

What are the advantages of studying at online universities?

Online universities offer many unique opportunities, including the following:

• Continue your education and even earn a degree, wherever you are and whenever you make time to study.
• Boost your earning potential and job prospects; did you know the average college graduate earns nearly $1 million more over a lifetime than a high school graduate, and those with master’s degree earn an additional $400,000 more?
• Save money as online courses are usually less expensive than their traditional counterparts.
• Work while going to school, without even having to tell your boss you’re doing so.
• Work while going to school and have your employer pay some or all of your tuition.
• Have access to the thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints of instructors and peers around the world.

What kinds of schools offer online courses?

These days, just about all types of schools offer online education, including the following:

• Vocational and career schools
• Two-year, junior, and community colleges
• Four-year colleges and universities

Some schools are entirely online while others provide on-campus and online instruction; be sure you read program details carefully to find the best online college for you.

What types of degrees are offered through online universities?

Online universities offer individual courses as well as programs through which you can earn the following:

• Diploma
• Certificate
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctorate Degree

What kinds of subjects can I study through online universities?
There are many different subjects you can study at online universities. The following are some of the most common categories of online college programs:

• Business & Marketing
• Career & Vocational
• Criminal Justice & the Legal Field
• Foreign Languages
• Health, Nursing, and Medical Field
• Information Technology (IT) & Technology
• Personal Development
• Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Teaching & Education

How do I choose the best online university for me?

When deciding where to continue your education, there are several factors you should consider, including the following:

• What you want to get out of the course or program based on personal and career goals
• How much the course or program will cost in total, including tuition, fees, and all other related expenses
• How much time and money you have to spend
• School’s accreditation and whether it will make you eligible for any licensing requirements in your profession
• Faculty
• Student/faculty ratio and interaction
• Alumni opinions
• How the program or course stacks up next to other similar online and traditional university offerings

How much should I pay attention to online university rankings?
Online university rankings can be a great way to get an idea of a school’s reputation, especially whether it is a diploma mill, which operates outside the supervision of government or other regulating agencies; for information on how to determine whether a school is a diploma mill, check out these red flags from the Better Business Bureau.

When looking at online university rankings, be sure to research several different sources so you can start to see where a school’s strengths and weaknesses lie. Not all rankings are based on the same criteria, but some of the most common are the following:

• Average and/or median GPA and standardized test scores
• Acceptance rate
• Retention and graduation rates
• Employment statistics
• Faculty and school resources
• Student-faculty ratios
• Financial aid availability
• Accreditation
• Alumni giving

Some of these factors may mean more to you than others, so don’t be afraid to really dive into the methodology to determine which school best fits your needs; after all, you’re not looking for just any school, you’re looking for the best online university for you.

Do all online programs work the same way?
Not exactly. While the common denominator among all online programs is the use of the Internet for email, chats, forums, and discussions, the particulars of each program will differ, so it’s a good idea to ask questions before signing up if that information isn’t readily provided.

Overall, though, you should still expect features similar to those of traditional learning programs such as readings, assignments, papers, and test requirements that must be satisfied in order to complete the course or program.

Additionally, some online college degree programs require in-person, clinical experience, so be sure you know what is expected of you before sending in your deposit.

Now, have a good look around the site to find the best online university for you!