10 Things to look for in an Online University/Educational Institute? Selecting an online university? These must-ask questions will help you determine which program will bring the most value to you. 1. Does the University hold a“.edu” or “.ac.uk” Domain? If you are looking for a credible online university with credentials that are accepted across the globe by top educational institutes and/or employers then look for a “.edu” in a US Based University domain or “ac.uk” in a UK Based University. Most online universities have regional extensions but the presence of “.edu” in a domain marks its proof of authenticity. Note: If the university’s website is an “.edu” or “.ac.uk” domain then you don’t have to worry about its accreditation status. Only Nationally and/or regionally accredited institutes can obtain “.edu” domain in U.S and “.ac.uk” domain in UK. (Source – U.S. Department of Education website) 2. Does the University have Physical Existence? An Authentic Online University has physical existence, even if it’s an administrative office (and if the office is in your region then it’s definitely a plus) a physical address is Important to look for in an online university. Universities with physical existence are as serious as you are about education. A complete address for the university and/or its administrative offices is essential to be listed on its official website. The mentioned address (es) should be verifiable via Google Maps. If the website has regional numbers mentioned then consider it as icing on the cake. 4. How does the University Rank compared to the Rest? Each year Regional Departments of Education release a ranking of Top 5 Online Universities.  University of Phoenix: Arizona, USA - University of Phoenix offers over 15 programs and over 50 concentrations. Students enrolled at the University have the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The University has more than 100 locations worldwide, in addition to a wide variety of degree programs and courses offered entirely online.  Liberty University: Virginia, USA - Liberty University is one of the world's premier centers for students interested in obtaining their degree online. They prepare and develop educational leaders who are agents of change and are committed to innovation in all programs, utilizing the latest in technologies and on-line capabilities to provide students with options for learning and succeeding.  Paramount California University: California, USA – Paramount California University is based in California – the Global Hub of Higher Education. The State boasts a pioneering higher education system with global brand-name appeal that is unmatched by any other state – any other nation. With 16 schools of study, more than 71 specializations offered under Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs, the university was founded on the ideals that students of all ages, from all backgrounds across the globe should have online access to accredited higher education.  With round-the clock representative support and Global Locations in all Continents of the World, the University is truly a Global University.  Walden University: Minnesota, USA - Through its online program, Walden University confers bachelor degrees, master degrees, and doctorate degrees, including the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Ph.D. The University has physical locations published on the website. Graduates are successful throughout the spectrum of the workforce.  Capella University: Minnesota, USA - Capella University is an accredited online university dedicated to providing an exceptional, professionally-aligned education that puts you in the best position to succeed in your field. They offer a challenging curriculum that is competency- based, combining foundational theory with real-world application, to ensure students receive a high-quality education. 5. How positive is the student experience? The best online universities cultivate a strong, positive, and supportive culture for their students, faculty, and staff. Just because you are learning in a virtual format does not mean that your experience must be isolating and devoid of bona fide interaction among peers and faculty members. Insist on a school that cultivates the positive atmosphere that supports your achievements. An easy way to measure engaging tendency of an educational institute is its social presence. Go to the university’s Facebook page and get involved in the ongoing activities; visit its twitter and follow them to have know-how of its traditions and heritage. 6. Does this online university offer the degree program(s) that you’re interested in? Now that you have verified the accreditation of a particular university, it's time to evaluate the school's programs and curriculum. Start your research with the mission statement of the university. Does it appeal to your values? Next, find out about the programs and specializations offered. If you're interested in an MBA, does the school have a comprehensive program with the option to specialize in your field of interest, such as project management or entrepreneurship? Research the courses themselves; do they provide a good balance between theory and practical knowledge that enables you to put your new skills to work in a meaningful way? Is the material relevant and current? 7. Does the University Accept Credit Transfers? If any university offers you 100% credit transfer based on your prior knowledge, that university is a fake; you probably are paying for a piece of paper with your name and a fake university seal on it. Real educational institutes accept a certain percentage as credit transfer based on your prior knowledge which includes: 1) Relevant job experience portfolio 2) Educational training portfolios 3) Professional training portfolios 4) Military service 5) Experiential essays You have to study your way through rest of the credits. If you don’t have to study at all for a degree then be sure that it is a sham and it has no real value in academic and professional world. 8. Does the University offer Excellent Support Services? No matter how deeply integrated software systems are of a university, there always is a need for human support. Studying at an online university with excellent support services makes the experience much easier and enrich. There a number of occasions when you will require human support and interaction so, always choose an online university that offers excellent online and offline support services. 9. How much will the education cost and what are the financial aid options available? Because many land-based schools are state-supported, you may find that the tuition at online universities is a bit more expensive by comparison. The higher costs for quality online schools may be attributed to hiring experienced and credentialed faculty, as well as the infrastructure to support completely online learning. The difference in price is offset by the convenience and flexibility of such an education. With a bit of research, you will find the tuition and fees among the best online universities to be very comparable. 10. What kind of Social Presence does it have? A University popular on Social Mediums is clearly above the Rest! Take a good look at all Social Mediums of the University especially the number of Likes or Followers on Facebook or Twitter. Consider only the verified Facebook Pages while skimming through these universities. If a Facebook Page has a good star rating (anything above 3.5) consider it better than the rest. A good social media presence is testament of the university’s popularity, culture and heritage.