I have a deep seated interest in learning why prospective students select particular online institutions? Why would someone choose Chancellor University over the University of Phoenix, or AIU over DeVry? Although reasons certainly vary by consumer, in my research I have found three reasons that have been prevalent over the past several years. What are they?
1. Accreditation – Prospective students actually put this “quality” mark at the top of their lists but I am still shocked at the number of folks who pursue non-accredited diploma mills (see my post on “Prospective Online Student Beware”)
2. Price/Cost — I think this speaks for itself but consideration should also be given toward financing and payment options an online school offers.
3. Ease of Online Software – The virtual classroom is a new paradigm for most and there is much apprehension and anxiety associated with it. I feel that the ease of the online Learning Management System is important but attention must also be given to LMS tutorials and valid new student orientation curriculum.
One criteria that is also gaining strength and momentum is reputation and brand and contributing factors like whether the school has a recognized campus presence (click and brick), blended programs, and significant support services. I will share a little more about this in the upcoming posts.