SparkNotes

Some elite colleges offer distance-learning education, which allows students to meet their degree requirements with a limited number of online or televised classes. Schools that offer most or all of their programs via distance learning have similar characteristics. For the most part, these colleges are private, for-profit institutions that rely primarily on the Internet and distance-learning software.

A few of the larger distance-learning schools receive regional accreditation and their students qualify for federal student financial aid. Some of the more reputable programs have articulation agreements with brick-and-mortar schools (colleges with traditional campuses), so that your credits or degree can transfer. However, many fly-by-night scams have arisen in the past few years, so you’ll need to be extremely cautious if you decide that online education is the way to go.

As with proprietary schools, distance-learning colleges admit just about anyone with the ability to pay the tuition. Several of the more popular online colleges have become increasingly popular, but because there is no concern over campus space, a virtually limitless number of students can be enrolled at any given time.

As we mentioned, some colleges are accredited to offer legitimate degrees, and their students may receive federal financial aid. A few of the more reputable programs include DeVry University, Western Governor’s University, Regis University, Kaplan University, and the University of Phoenix.

Many traditional campuses also offer degrees online. These colleges combine the legitimacy of a traditional college with the convenience of distance-learning. These can be good options for students concerned about employers who will not take their degrees seriously.