Online Learning
The number of online learning institutions
continues to increase, making education
accessible and affordable for everyone.

So, why wait to start, or finally finish, your

education?

If you are a high school student wondering if

online learning is for you, here are some of the
most commonly asked questions from
prospective students.
áho Takes Online Classes?
Anyone and everyone! In the United States alone,
there are approximately three million students
studying online.

Online students include adults returning to school

for the first time in 20 years, students right out of
high school, military members serving overseas,
stay-at-home moms and dads, professionals
working fulltime, individuals living far from any
traditional campus, and more.

áhatever your situation, online courses are

adaptable to meet your needs.
Is Online Learning Right For Me?
Quality online learning institutions offer a 24/7
help desk, so their students are supported every
step of the way.

They also offer innovative online course

management systems that offer you an easy-to-
use, organized way to manage your assignments
and communicate with your professors.

Students who are most successful in online

course work are self-motivated, have clear goals,
and have set aside appropriate time to complete
their work.
áhat Kinds of Educational
Offerings are Available Online?
Online learning institutions offer many associate
degree programs as well as certifications, but it
doesn͛t stop there.

Through innovative partnerships with other

educational institutions, students can earn
certificates, bachelor͛s degrees, master͛s degrees,
or other professional credentials all through
online learning.

You can find programs and courses in most

disciplines.
Is It Cheaper to Study Online?
At a majority of online colleges it is!

Online colleges are commonly more affordable

than traditional universities.

In addition, you save money and time when you

no longer have to commute to a campus.
Can I Afford an Online Degree?
Yes! Federal financial aid and scholarships can
help make an online degree affordable.

The opportunities for financial aid apply to online

students just as much as they do for on-campus
students.

Most online colleges have a financial aid office

with readily available advisors and information
about loans and scholarships.
áhat is Accreditation All About?
Accreditation is a process used by higher
education to evaluate colleges, universities, and
educational programs. Accreditation is conducted
by private, not-for-profit organizations designed
specifically to conduct external quality reviews.

It is important to choose a fully-accredited

institution by an organization like the Higher
Learning Commission. Attending an accredited
school is an important consideration if you think
you might want to transfer credits to another
undergraduate program and when trying to gain
admission to graduate programs.
áhere Can I Find More
Information?
Quality online colleges offer career services
where students can receive guidance from a
counselor in person, on the phone, with email, or
even through online chat.

Services, assessment testing and workshops are

available online. Counselors are there to help you
find your interests, assess your skills and discover
the career that is best for you.

You no longer have to go to work every day in a

job that is unfulfilling. Let the online college͛s
counselors help you find your passion!
About the Author
Jamie Lawry has written these articles on behalf
of Rio Salado College, an accredited college
offering online learning and education programs.
For more information about online learning,
please visit http://www.riosalado.edu/.