First, we need to separate out the seeming from the reality, and maybe to talk about why these colleges might seem this way. Then we’ll point you to how to identify good colleges.
Have you ever heard about Clayton Christiansen? Christiansen studies innovation, and he came up with the phrase “disruptive innovation” which applies here. That term refers to how new innovations enter the market at the bottom. They aren’t very good, and they tend to attract people who can’t afford the top end of the market. However, over time these new innovations improve, and change the field in the process. That’s not the only thing going on with online education, but it is part of it. When it was introduced, it was like a new tech toy: cheap and not so good.
Some online schools also consciously reject some of the traditions of higher education. Think about things like the class schedule. A summer break was so students could go home and help on the farm. Why do have it now? Some online schools start classes throughout the year. At the same time, we can admit it: some online schools lack dignity. They are openly businesses, and that makes them seem different from traditional colleges, which are often non-profits.
Now, all that said, there are strong online colleges out there, and some of the schools that seem cheesy may still offer strong programs in the areas you’re interested in. Take the suggestions in steps. First, make sure the school you’re interested in is accredited. That gives you the basics: will others accept your degree?
Second, start using general rating services such as the reviews submitted by actual students at Guide to Online Schools. Take these with a grain of salt, of course, since the students most likely to write a review are often those with particularly strong feelings.
Second, start using general rating services such as the reviews submitted by actual students at Guide to Online Schools. Take these with a grain of salt, of course, since the students most likely to write a review are often those with particularly strong feelings.
While there, you can also find a useful, unbiased set of online college rankings, which are updated yearly.
For another set of opinions, try browsing a trusted source like U.S. News & World Report. They’ve been evaluating colleges for decades. Their annual ranking is really influential. They also break down their ranking system by category, allowing you to shift rankings according to what matters to you. Finally, they explain their methods, which lets you know how the decisions got made.
The last suggestion is to approach your search from the other end. Contact people working in the field you want to work in, and ask them for suggestions. If you don’t want to go out on a limb and ask them personally, look up rankings of specific disciplines, and look at programs offered by that discipline’s professional organization. For example, if you’re interested in HR, visit human resource organizations and see which degree programs they suggest—and which are online.
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