What are the top 3 factors you look for in a distance education institution?

For me...

1. 100% online or e-books (no textbooks etc)
2. Courses of interest to me
3. Good value (cost versus reputation)

 

1. Must be a traditional B&M school with sports teams.
2. Affordable
3. Good reputations

 

1) RA, state schools
2) programs that coincide with my interests / needs
3) in-state / reasonable tuition rates / fees

 

In the past when I actually picked a program?

1. Highest effective return of my GI Bill dollars. Money in my pocket.
2. Short semesters w/quick turnaround.
3. ...........nothing else mattered.

Now, if I had to do it all over again? And my advice to people considering DL going forward?

1. State school, B&M tradition, closest school to you as possible.
2. Good reputation.
3. A degree program with proven ROI.

 

1) RA, B&M state schools with sports teams which are recognizable on a national level
2) programs of interest
3) in-state/military reasonable tuition rates

 

I had different requirements for different degrees.
BS
1 - RA
2 - fast
3 - 100% of the credits to transfer in

MS
1 - RA / B&M / non-profit
2 - area of interest
3 - no residency / no proctored exams

PhD
1 - RA
2 - no residency / no proctored exams
3 - options for concentrations so I can earn 18 credits in a subject to teach

 

1. RA / GAAP
2. ¡Affordable!
3. No-to-low residencies

Several people mentioned having programs of interest. I assumed that was a given a though as I wouldn't go to a B&M school that didn't have the programs I wanted either! So, I'm certainly in agreement with the idea, even if I didn't add that to my list!

 

1. Good Reputation
2. Areas of Interest
3. Cool bumper sticker for my car's back window

 

1. University Reputation
2. Cost
3. Convenience (No Exams, Ability to write "big" papers, Flexible deadlines etc.)

 

RA
Right degree/program
Cost

 

1.) RA/ Non profit
2.) Has the program I'm looking for
3.) Tuition rate

 

3 factors

For courses

1. RA
2. Cost
3. Self-paced

For Degree

1. RA
2. Cost
3. Best brand recognition

 

1- 100% Online Degree
2- Reputation (must be a B&M)
3- Cost

 

School colors cannot include orange. I was told to always hate teams that wear orange.

 

1. Hot Chicks in discussion boards.... Lol j.k


1. RA/Non-Profit
2. Good reputation
3. Affordable

Even though you guys listed this already =]

 

1) Excellent Reputation
2) Appropriateness of the degree
3) Cost

 

1) At your own pace, asynchronous format
2) Regional accreditation plus specialized accreditation like ACBSP or AACSB
3) Course content

 

1. RA
2. B&M (no schools known for their online programs such as U of P among others)
3. Cost

I am assuming that since you asked what the top 3 for distance education was that the degree being 100%online is already there.

 

1. scantily clad cheerleaders for the online football team
2. rowdy online fraternities
3. accreditation