what is a good online school?

Answer 1

The only reputable online college programs are those offered through actual, real live, brick and mortar universities.

Currently, the University of Phoenix is being sued for millions of dollars for misrepresenting itself to students. That should be a big red flag for anyone.

Here's an excerpt from a recent New York Times article on this topic.

"In one recent survey, employers overwhelmingly preferred traditional bachelor’s degrees when hiring over credentials even partially completed online. In the study, published in the January issue of the quarterly Communication Education, two communications professors asked some 270 small and medium-size companies in eight cities about their attitudes toward online credentials. The companies primarily sought managers or entry-level employees in accounting, engineering, business and information technology.
Ninety-six percent said they would choose traditional candidates over those with virtual degrees. Graduates of hybrid programs (online and in classrooms) didn’t fare much better, with 75 percent choosing candidates with traditional degrees.
“Recent graduates who apply for jobs without much work experience may find that having an online degree on their résumé translates into having little chance of being hired,” concludes the study, by Margaret H. DeFleur, associate dean of graduate studies and research at Louisiana State University, and Jonathan Adams, director of interactive and new communication technologies at Florida State University."

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/educat...

The good news is that there are more and more state universities offering coursework, and even degrees, online.

Look at your state university first. If it does not have a "distance education" program, then look at other major state universities.

Here are some superb links to guide you toward finding the right state university distance education program for you.

Answer 2

University of Phoenix is probably the best known online school. That can work for or against you. Choosing UofP shows employers that you want the best online school. But, an employer may think that online schools are for university washouts. Some people also think that online schools are more relaxed than regular universities.
I attend UofP and it takes a lot of self discipline to do your readings and homework.
Good Luck.

I also want to add that I am a married mother of two children (one is only 13 months) working a full time first responder job and volunteering in the community. I also live in a small town that has no college. So, for me online is the only option. If there were no online universities, people like me could not get a higher education. The "professor" below is narrow minded and should talk to people who have no other options besides online and explore the advantages before thrashing online schools.

Answer 3

I got a degree from Thomas Edison State College (tesc.edu) and I was favorably impressed with it (I already had a degree from a traditional school - this was a career change).

Answer 4

University of Phoenix is very good.