How to Choose the Best Online College for You

When looking for an online college that best fits your values and your hopes for higher education, there are some things to consider before you say “yes to the college.”

Does the online college teach with the same values I believe in?

When you imagine the college you want to go to, what do you think of first? Do you think of the school that your mom or dad went to? Do you think of a high-quality school that’s well-known for the things you’re passionate about?

For many, deciding on a college is not just a one-person decision. Your family and friends all help influence your decision. But with all of the opinions flying around, the question you should ask yourself is what college will hold true to the values that you believe in most? What is important to you when thinking about the type of person you want to become after you graduate? And what type of religious factors does the college you want to go to hold true to, if any?

“CCU is first and foremost an academic community of committed Christian believers rooted in a profound respect for higher learning framed within the Christian worldview.” -The CCU difference

Is the online college an accredited institution?

When looking for an online college it is imperative that you understand the types of accreditations you are looking for. Typically there are two types you will run into, regionally accredited colleges and nationally accredited colleges. 

“Plain and simple, regional accreditation is not the same as national accreditation. The main difference between the two is that credits earned from institutions that are regionally accredited are more widely accepted and thus more easily transferable.” -Edsmart

“While national accreditation might seem more authoritative than regional accreditation, this isn’t always the case. Regional accreditation is older and more prestigious than national, except in a few cases. Most non-profit colleges have regional accreditation, not national accreditation.” -Edsmart

CCU is a regionally accredited college by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Are they who they say they are?

This may seem like a weird question at first, but when assessing colleges it is a valid question to ask. Technology and advertising have created a lot of misguided expectations and policies within many industries, and colleges are no exception. Do your research. Make sure the online classes walk the talk.   

Does it offer the online degree program you are interested in?

There are many options to choose from when determining your college degree. Like many prospective students, you may not know exactly what coursework interests you, feel like you will figure it out when you find the best online college for you. However, all universities don’t necessarily offer the same areas of study. Think about what you want to accomplish. Is it a new job or career? Is it self-fulfillment? 

Knowing what you want to do with your degree can help in deciding what school you would like to attend. If you are struggling to decide which online courses to take or programs to pursue, there are personality tests, such as Myers Briggs, that may help determine which vocations could be a fit for you. Colorado Christian University has a team of enrollment counselors who are specifically trained to help identify the best degree programs for whatever you want to accomplish and pursue in life. Complete the form on this page to connect with a CCU enrollment counselor today!

Is the online college cost-effective, or offers financial aid? 

Once you apply to earn your bachelor's degree at CCU, you are automatically adopted into a locked-in tuition benefit. This benefit allows you to go to school for up to 5 years at the same tuition rate. Like the housing industry and gas prices, college tuition costs go up as well. We understand that while you are investing in your future you are also investing in your pocket books. 

Are online classes flexible for part-time and full-time students? 

One common objection adults have is thinking about how long it will take to complete a degree because it’s nearly impossible to take a full course load and juggle other responsibilities. Determine whether or not the course schedule will work with your own schedule. At CCU, for example, most online classes are only five weeks long. This means you can take one class at a time and still complete a “full course load” each semester.  

Do they accept my college credits? 

If you have already taken some college courses, you shouldn't’t have to take them again. Check the transfer credit policy at the college you’re looking into. Ask about articulation agreements for seamless transfer of community college credits. CCU has a very generous transfer credit policy and even offers a scholarship just for transferring your credits.

Get started with Colorado Christian University Today!

In 2022, new online undergraduate students are eligible to take advantage of today’s locked-in tuition benefits. Time is of the essence! Be sure to take advantage of the low tuition costs while they are still available. 

Colorado Christian University does not guarantee any job placement as a result of earning this or any other degrees offered by the university.