How long will it take me to earn a degree online?
The amount of time varies by the amount of credits required for the degree. You may be able to take a sufficient number of online courses to complete a degree in two to three years. However, online courses give you the flexibility to determine your own schedule. You may choose to take fewer courses in a year and take longer to complete your degree.

What is a typical class?
You will receive instruction, submit assignments and discuss topics with your classmates from your computer. Your instructor may also choose to incorporate traditional materials — textbooks, lab experiments and other offline projects to complement the class.

Typically, you’ll be able to sign into your course any time of the day or night, giving you the flexibility to create your own schedule. Some classes follow a semester schedule (with a start and end date), while others may have a more open-ended timeframe.

What is the application process?
The application process depends on your course of study. If you are taking individual courses or enrolling in a certificate program, you may only need to complete an application. For degree programs, you may need to need to submit an application with a personal essay, letters of recommendation and official transcriptions from schools and/or programs you've attended. You may also be required to take a standardized test such as the GRE, LSAT or MCAT. Some schools may conduct an interview over the telephone.

How does the cost compare to traditional schools?
Many online degree programs are less expensive than a campus-based program. However, tuition and fees vary greatly among schools. You should check each program for tuition and any associated fees.

What is credit for "life experience" and how can I earn it?
Some educational institutions will give you credit for knowledge that you have received outside the classroom—such as through work or military service. These life experience credits can be applied toward your degree and can reduce the amount of time it takes for you to complete your studies.

Is financial aid available for online programs?
Yes, many online universities participate in federal and private financial aid programs. Student loans — such as the government-backed Stafford loans — are the most common. The Stafford loans typically carry the lowest interest rates. Banks also offer student loans. Some universities participate in military programs that provide assistance to veterans and active personnel. Grants and scholarships may be available as well.

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