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I don’t know what the deal is today but it seems as if everyone and their mother wants to attend an online college.  Why is this, you might ask?  For starters, you don’t have to leave your house, deal with annoying classmates, nor do you have to commute to school.

While there are many advantages, I have found that there are many pitfalls to when it comes down to these so called “diploma mills.”  If you do a quick search online, you probably see many colleges from the University of Phoenix to DeVry.  Are they accredited?  Are they legit?

While they say they are, you’re going to find that you’re going to have a hard time getting a job, because a huge amount of employers out there don’t deem an online university “legit.”  Sure, I can side with them, but there are some things that you should look out for before you start.

Consider your local university

Your local university may not advertise it but you’re going to find that they will offer online classes as well.  There’s nothing wrong with going to class, as well as attending courses online.  By receiving a degree from a well-known, accredited university, you’re going to find that it’s going to help you with your career prospects.

Do your homework with the online colleges

Be very aware of the colleges that accept anybody.  Your University of Phoenix, as well as others accept just about anyone.  They want to take you in, take your money and give you a degree.  These are what they call, “diploma mills.”  All they care about is your money.

Check with reviews online

Now, for every good thing, there are going to be negative reviews, I understand that.  What you’re going to have to understand is that if you’re reading more about the bad, you may have to second guess yourself.  The Internet is a great place to research and you do your homework, you can find out some good things.

Talk with classmates

I know it’s hard to talk with classmates of an online university but try to go to a forum that has students such as these, or even ask questions online.  Ask questions that you may have.  You don’t want to ask an advisor of the school, because we all know what kind of answer you’re going to get since they are biased.

Be very weary of colleges and top 10 lists online.  You’re going to find that there are many that are out there to get your money.

With that being said, what are the best online universities?

While I don’t believe in them, I don’t want to point you to schools that won’t do you no good, but rather, I would consider that you attend your local community college and move onto a university.

Just about all of your colleges today have some sort of online schooling.  Don’t be afraid of going to college, because there are all walks of life going there.

Your education is an investment and the last thing that you want to do is make a bad one.