The 10 Best Online Schools for You: Best Online School Programs

Best Online School – Whether you’re looking to earn an accredited degree or learn new skills, taking online classes can be an incredibly helpful, convenient way to do so. You can fit your classwork into your busy schedule, rather than the other way around, and you can get the education that you want without having to relocate to another city. With so many schools to choose from, though, it can be tough to find the one that’s best for you. Here are ten of the top online schools, along with what makes them special and their pros and cons.

1) Earning College Credits Before Enrolling

Earning college credits before you enroll in a school can save you both time and money. Earning college credits online allows you to gain experience in an educational setting without paying thousands of dollars for classes that may not even transfer to your intended school. And many online programs help you study independently, without putting a strain on your work and home life. When choosing an online program, keep these tips in mind.

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2) The Best STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Programs

Students who major in STEM fields have a better chance of finding employment, and they often make more money once they land a job. STEM fields also tend to be in high demand as companies look to fill their ranks with workers who have knowledge that can’t be easily replicated by machines or outsourced overseas. If you want to go into STEM, consider one of these schools: Boston University; Brown University; MIT; Purdue University; Yale University; Virginia Tech.

3) Getting a Financial Aid Package

College students are spending more and more money on higher education, with a 5.2% increase in tuition costs last year alone. If you’re worried about being able to afford your education or want to find ways to finance your online degree program, check out our guide to financial aid options. We outline what you need to do before applying and help you navigate common roadblocks like choosing which loans make sense for you—and how much they’ll cost in interest over time. Plus, we answer questions such as: How do I know if I qualify? Will my credit history affect my chances? What should I do if I don’t get enough scholarships or grants?

4) Business School

According to U.S. News & World Report, these are currently (as of October 2013) considered among some of the best online MBA programs in America: #1 The University of Michigan Ross School of Business and #2 The University of Virginia Darden School of Business at CityBusiness (formerly known as mbaMission). U.S. News also rates a number of other online MBA programs highly, including those offered by NYU Stern (#3), Indiana University (#6), Rice University (#7), Penn State Smeal College (#8) and Temple University Fox School Of Business And Management (#9). Wharton Business School’s online executive MBA program is also a recognized leader in its category with a highly accessible format and flexible scheduling options.

5) Finding Your Niche

Figuring out what you want to study is only one step in a long process. Next, you need to figure out how that translates into a subject or major and where it will lead you—that’s known as your major/subject of choice. It can take some time to pinpoint what best fits your interests and skills, but with perseverance and dedication, you can find an online school that works well with your personal attributes. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Are you better at one-on-one instruction or do lectures make more sense? Do you prefer to be hands-on or do projects make more sense? What classes most intrigue and inspire you?

6) Marketing Yourself as an MBA Candidate

If you’re not sure which online MBA program is right for you, then it might be a good idea to start marketing yourself as an MBA candidate. This can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses; it can also help get your foot in the door of some admissions offices, where you might have otherwise been ignored. To do so, follow our guide to selling yourself as an MBA candidate—then use that platform to figure out which programs are really a good fit. The more information you can collect now, before ever applying, the better off you’ll be down the line.

7) Top-Ranked Online Business Programs

Whether you’re looking to start your own business or are considering a career in business, there are many options available that can fit into your lifestyle. Most students complete their degree at their own pace with no required classroom time; some programs also offer accelerated formats that can earn you a degree in as little as one year. When choosing an online school, look for those accredited by top-level organizations like SACS and ACICS. Business degrees should include fundamental topics like accounting, economics, marketing, and management—along with specialized topics like supply chain management and financial planning. Some schools even offer distance-learning opportunities that cover business-specific certificates and certifications.

SEE: K12 Online School Review – K12 Free Online School

8) General Master’s Degrees That Can Lead to Higher Salaries Section: 9) Tips on Applying For Business School Online

Getting into a business school takes some preparation. Keep these things in mind as you look at your options and decide on which one will be best suited to your needs: 1) Cost: Business schools are expensive, so it’s important to find a program that can offer you great value. Many online schools have a variety of scholarships available to apply for that can significantly reduce the cost of your tuition. It might take some time, but its worthwhile to do some research on which options might be best for you. 2) Accreditation: Before applying for any program, make sure it is accredited by ACBSP or another well-known accrediting body.

10) Picking the Right Major

Picking a major based on a specific job that you want to get can be tempting, but it may not always be your best option. For example, if you’re aiming to get a job as an IT worker, it might make sense to focus on computer science or engineering. But don’t ignore other options that you find interesting simply because they aren’t related to your field of choice. Regardless of what degree you earn, having strong writing and research skills will serve you well in any career path.