There are a lot of great advantages to enrolling in an online university, including the ability to study from home, but it’s important to remember to look for a few things when checking out online programs (aside from just whether they offer your major).

First and foremost: Is the school accredited? It’s imperative that your degree be granted by an accredited institution, because they’re the ones that have actually passed rigorous inspection and have been deemed to be legitimate, high-quality educational venues. There are plenty of for-profit “diploma mills” out there, organizations that will sell you a degree with no academic backing, but future employers rightfully frown on those. The best way to ensure you’ll get a good education and follow that up with a rewarding career is to attend an accredited school. Check with your prospective school to learn about their accreditation history, and supplement that by researchiing schools with the U.S. Department of Education and the non-governmental Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which can help you find accredited institutions.

Next, how available are faculty and staff for consultation? Many online schools make their counselors and instructors available to students via e-mail and phone, and these mentoring relationships can be just as important in an online education setting as their are in a more traditional school environment. Related to this, look for a school that facilitates open communication between classmates and encourages discussions in chat rooms and instant-messaging programs. It’ll enhance your feeling of being connected to your fellow learners.

Another thing to look for is an online university that will provide you with the kind of hardware support you might need. After all, you’ll be earning your degree, one of the most important things you’ll ever do, on your computer, so it’s important that your computer be up to the task. Online colleges typically post system requirements and necessary software for incoming students, but in addition to that, it’s helpful if they provide technical support if you run into problems with downloading papers, logging in to the system, or any of the random tech problems we all deal with from time to time. Many online students pay a technology fee for distance learning, so make sure it’s going toward something that will help you.

It’s also a good idea to see what scholarships are offered through a university before enrolling. In addition to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you should check with your individual online university to see what scholarships they might offer. Many schools award funding to students based on grades, ethnicity, and other contributing factors, and that might help you decide where to finally enroll.