Step1
Decide where you will attend. I spent my first two years of college at several different public and private universities. As a military spouse, however, military transfers were eating up my college classes and my money when credits wouldn't transfer. I decided online schooling might be my best option.
Step2
At first, I decided to try out University of Phoenix. I knew it was accredited. However, I did not find that the school was a good fit for me. I felt like the degree would not be respected and I did not feel I was receiving a quality education. I soon decided to transfer to University of Maryland University College -- or UMUC. UMUC is part of the University System of Maryland. I am adamant that the best online education comes from a school with real professors and through schools that have a brick-ad-mortar counterpart -- which UMUC does.
Step3
Additionally, UMUC offers in-state tuition rates to military members and military spouses. That makes it very affordable. As a regionally accredited university, UMUC also qualifies for traditional Stafford loan funding, for GI Bill benefits, for Pell Grant eligibility, and more. UMUC also has campuses around the world on military bases for those that prefer in-person classes.
Step4
Even if you do not choose UMUC, my best advice is to choose a school that is affiliated with a traditional brick-and-mortar and is regionally accredited. Many universities now offer online classes -- you just have to do your research. Some of the brick-and-mortar schools now offering online studies include Harvard Extension School, University of Illinois, University of Massachusetts Online (UMassOnline), Penn State Online, University of Texas (UT Telecampus), and many more. Check out your local public or state university and you may be surprised to learn they offer online courses.
Step5
Decide if online learning is right for you. Online education is not right for everyone. You must be a self-directed learner, organized, and dedicated. While a good online school will teach you (as opposed to just giving you materials to read), you still have to have the discipline to motivate yourself and work independently.
Step6
Decide if your degree program is right for online learning. While I would never, ever recommend majoring in math online, for example (I firmly believe you need in-person instruction for this), there are degree plans that are well-suited for online learning. I majored in communication studies at UMUC and it was a great fit for the online program. My master's studies are in business with a concentration in public relations, and that, too, is well-suited for online learning.
Step7
Another thing to consider is whether the university offers proctored exams. In my opinion, this is a good indicator of a solid university. Are you tested against your brick-and-mortar counterparts? UMUC required proctored exams for all of my undergraduate classes and some of my graduate classes. I was pleased to know this because it meant I could measure, through my performance on these tests, how I stacked up against my brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Step8
Apply, register, and get ready for class. Good luck!
Authority 
Comments
onederland said
on 4/29/2008 Utah State is another good place to look at for online programs - the tuition is the same for out-of-state students as it is for in-state. 5 stars!