Consider 10 Factors to Decide if an Online Degree Program Is Legit

Avoid Online Degree Scams

Prospective online learners across most disciplines often have a wide range of choices when it comes to selecting a best-fit online degree program. But experts say they should exercise some caution in the process.

There are certain factors for prospective students to keep in mind when making the decision to ensure that they get what they pay for and that employers and other institutions will accept the degree.

1. Accreditation

Accreditation tells students and potential employers that a legitimate, outside authority has determined the online program or institution meets certain academic standards.

After doing some basic research online, experts say, prospective online learners should ensure the accreditor is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.

2. Reputation and Name

If an online program steals the name of a prestigious institution and slightly modifies it -- for example, something like "Harvard Technological University" -- he or she should dig deeper.

Determining that the program is part of a reputable academic brand will help ensure that employers see the degree as legitimate, experts say.

3. Student Support

When it comes to student services -- whether it's tech support, libraries or career advisement -- students should expect the same quality as they would receive on a physical campus, experts say.

"Don't go in with the expectation that you're supposed to get less than because it's online," Judith Eaton, president of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, told U.S. News in a Google Hangout.

4. Level of Rigor

If a prospective online learner is told he or she can earn a degree quickly and easily -- for instance, with a simple resume review or a few book reports -- this should be a red flag, experts say.

A legitimate program or school will require that students earn a certain number of credits to graduate, Karen Pedersen, then chief knowledge officer for the Online Learning Consortium, told U.S. News.

5. Graduation Rates

Statistics can tell prospective students a lot about an online program or school, experts say, especially when it comes to results such as degrees conferred.

Low completion rates, for example, might signal that a program doesn't offer strong academic support. Experts suggest doing some research on graduation rates beforehand.

6. Job Prospects

Employment rates are another statistic to keep in mind, experts say.

Low employment might signal weak career services, or lack thereof, or suggest the institution is a diploma mill, giving out degrees that carry little weight with employers due to lack of accreditation or low-quality academics.

7. Cost

In many legitimate online programs, students pay tuition per credit or course, experts say.

If a prospective student comes across any suspicious situation, such as a program asking for a lot of money upfront, he or she should dig a bit deeper, Pedersen, with the OLC, told U.S. News.

8. Credit Transfer Options

For online students, ensuring that credits transfer is essential in case they decide to switch schools. If credits won't transfer out, it may be because other colleges feel that the courses taken don't meet their standards.

Those completing a previous education should also determine whether they can keep credits they already have or if they need to start from scratch.

9. Financial Aid

Prospective students should be wary of pushy financial aid counselors, especially if they pressure them to take out loans -- particularly private loans -- for the program, Anne Johnson, then director of the advocacy group Campus Progress, told U.S. News.

Those who need financial aid should ensure that all of their questions are fully answered before they enroll.

10. Address and Campus

If prospective online students are unable to pinpoint a campus or business address for a program and can only find an email address, they may be right to be suspicious, says one expert.

Some experts also recommend checking whether the program has a traditional campus at all, which can help ensure that the school has a long history, and is reputable with a good brand, Susan Aldridge, president of Drexel University Online, told U.S. News in the Google Hangout.

More on Online Degrees

Find more tips on how to be a strong online degree applicant on the Online Learning Lessons blog, and get our complete rankings of the Best Online Programs.

For additional advice and information on how to navigate online program admissions, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.