What to look for in an online university

Selecting an online university? These must-ask questions will help you determine which program will bring the most value to you.

Jones International University is proud to be the first entirely virtual institution in the U.S. to receive regional accreditation. JIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To contact the NCA, call 800.621.7440 or visit the NCA. Learn more about JIU’s accreditation.

1. Is this university regionally accredited?
Accreditation should be the first criteria by which to choose an online university. Regional accreditation is the highest form of accreditation in the U.S. This credential ensures that the education you receive from the institution meets the established standards for quality curriculum, governance, faculty, student services, and financial stability, among others. In addition to quality assurance, regional accreditation is important because students who attend such institutions typically are eligible for federal student aid and their course credits generally transfer between regionally accredited universities.

Institutional accreditation is provided by regional and national associations of schools and colleges. There are only six recognized regional associations in the United States that serve as accrediting bodies. Each regional association is independent but cooperates closely with the other associations and each mutually recognizes each other’s accreditation. If the school you’re considering is not accredited by one of these regional associations, save your time and money and find one that is.

JIU offers working professionals an array of quality degree programs specifically designed to enhance their work skills and advance their careers. Our faculty hails from some of the most prestigious institutions in the world and are committed to your success. Whether you choose our School of Education or our School of Business, JIU offers you the most flexible and convenient way to fit your degree into your busy lifestyle. Speak with an Admissions Counselor at 1.800.811.5663 in the U.S. or +1.303.784.8904 to discover how JIU can transform you into the Total Professional™.

2. Does this online university offer the degree program(s) that I’m interested in?
Now that you have verified the accreditation of a particular university, it’s time to evaluate the school’s programs and curriculum. Start your research with the mission statement of the university. Does it appeal to your values? Next, find out about the programs and specializations offered. If you’re interested in an MBA, does the school have a comprehensive program with the option to specialize in your field of interest, such as project management or entrepreneurship? Research the courses themselves; do they provide a good balance between theory and practical knowledge that enables you to put your new skills to work in a meaningful way? Is the material relevant and current? What about the faculty? Ask about the background of the content experts who designed the courses. Are they leaders in their fields with appropriate credentials? Are the professors who facilitate the courses experienced in online teaching? How accessible are they? Find out if your school or degree program has received the endorsement of any professional associations, such as the Project Management Institute or the American Academy of Financial Management. If you’re interested in teaching, are the courses aligned with your state’s standards? This is a good time to open a dialogue with someone from the university to determine whether their programs are right for you.

A defining characteristic of JIU is the true sense of community among our student body, faculty and staff. We place a premium on engaging students and fully supporting peer interaction and faculty accessibility. Our students are not numbers; you will get personalized service and support throughout your experience here, while you enjoy all the benefits of attending a global-oriented, accredited institution. You don’t have to take our word for it. Read more about our students to find out about our learning community.

3. How positive is the student experience?
The best online universities cultivate a strong, positive, and supportive culture for their students, faculty, and staff. Just because you are learning in a virtual format does not mean that your experience must be isolating and devoid of bona fide interaction among peers and professors. Insist on a school that cultivates the positive atmosphere that supports your achievements. You should have a rich, interactive experience in an online setting - every bit as engaging as one found at a traditional, land-based school. You may be surprised to hear that many students who have experienced both say that the online format often exposes them to the perspective and insights of students from broad (and global) backgrounds that they wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. Is the school you’re considering one that has an established learning community? Does the delivery easily support robust communications? How is group participation facilitated? How accessible are your professors? Ensure that the school you attend has course content that is developed specifically for the online adult learner and challenges you as a student and makes it easy to interact with others.

JIU delivers the ultimate convenience in quality distance learning. All of our courses are specifically designed in a fully online format so that you may pursue your degree on your own schedule. Our technical requirements are minimal. With a basic computer setup and an Internet connection, you can access JIU at any time, from anywhere in the world. Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our partner, Embanet, an industry leader in providing 24/7/365, live technical support.

4. What are the technical requirements?
The delivery of the content and ease of access can vary from one online university to another. Find out what e-learning platform your school uses. How and when are classes accessed? How do you receive assignments or communicate with your professors and fellow students? What equipment do you need to take full advantage of your educational experience? It’s also extremely important to find out the level of your school’s technical support. Don’t choose a school that has anything less than round-the-clock support.

You are not just a number at JIU. We pride ourselves on offering quality programs with superior personal service. Your success is our success; from the moment you contact us about enrollment through graduation in our exclusive “cyberdome,” our faculty and staff will support you every step of the way. Among the resources you can expect at JIU: Our renown Jones e-global library®, here you will have 24/7 online access to all the academic resources you need, and as well as our exclusive, patent-pending Total Professional Advantage™ career-development services and open seminar, which includes building your own professional development plan, creating an online professional portfolio and access to a certified career counselor.

5. What kind of support services does the online university offer?
Another important factor in choosing an online university is the level of support services provided that will optimize your education experience. Does the school have committed, knowledgeable academic advisors who will guide your progress throughout your program? What is the quality of online library resources? How well does the school communicate with its students and faculty? Is there a true sense of community among students and the administration? Insist on a university that offers personalized service and round-the-clock support. As an independent learner, you don’t want to feel isolated from your professors and peers. Ask about the interactions you can expect to have. Also critical: Is the university committed to your professional development? You are here because you want to advance in your field of your choice. Determine whether the school has comprehensive career development services that will ensure that your academic achievements align with your professional goals.

JIU’s tuition and fees are very comparable to other top-level, accredited online universities. As The Gold Standard Online University®, we set the bar in delivering engaging, relevant content that is specifically designed for the working professional. Our courses blend theory with real-world application, giving you immediate return on your investment. In addition to our quality academic programs, JIU is dedicated to optimizing your education with comprehensive, personalized career development services. We are regionally accredited, giving you access to an array of financial aid resources; we offer you the full services of our FSA Resource Center to ensure that all of your aid options are utilized.

6. How much will my education cost and what are the financial aid options available to me?
Because many land-based schools are state-supported, you may find that the tuition at online universities are a bit more expensive by comparison. The higher costs for quality online schools may be attributed to hiring experienced and credentialed faculty, many of whom hail from the top-tier universities, as well as the infrastructure to support completely online learning. The difference in price is offset by the convenience and flexibility of such an education. With a bit of research, you will find the tuition and fees among the best online universities to be very comparable. If you find an online school whose costs are substantially lower, make sure it is indeed accredited and that it has a high-caliber, experienced staff. Also insist on a school that has extensive financial aid resources at your disposal. Consider whether the school you are considering accepts transfer credits, credit by exam, or credit for prior learning that may significantly reduce your costs. With a combination of tuition assistance, loans, grants, and other benefits, many online adult learners find that earning their degrees and advancing their careers are financially feasible.