How to Choose the Right College after Graduating from an Accredited Online High School

The college you choose after graduating from an accredited online high school will influence the rest of your adult life. That's why it's necessary to research your options carefully. Here are some tips and resources to help students at accredited online high schools decide which college is best for them.

Questions to Ask

When researching colleges and universities, there are certain questions that can help you ensure a school will be a good fit for your academic goals. For example:

• Does the college offer a degree program in your area of interest?
• How much is tuition?
• What is the school's reputation?
• What types of jobs/careers to graduates pursue?
• Do courses/semesters fit my schedule?
• Is the school the right cultural fit?

Finding a School with the Right Program: Search Tools

There are many sites online that allow you to search for schools by choosing filtering options. Filtering options include degree level (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate) and category (business administration, engineering, psychology, etc.). Other filters include state, ZIP code, and type of institution. Some sites will match students with programs based on answers to specific questions.

The following links will direct you several sites that make it simple to search for schools.

• Affordable Colleges Online
• Big Future
• College Navigator
• Peterson's

Paying for College

College costs are high. It's important to find out how much a school costs, so you can figure out if you can afford to pay for it. There are many financial aid options available, including federal student aid, state aid, scholarships and private loans.

The links below will help you investigate how much financial aid is available to you.

• Intro to Financial Aid
• Beginner's Guide to Financial Aid
• Debt-Free College Degree
• Federal Student Aid
• Financial Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Paying for College

Accreditation

Just like it is essential to choose an accredited online high school, no matter which college you choose, it's important that it be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Enrolling in an unaccredited school may mean you won't be able to find financial aid because most programs require accreditation to participate. It may also be difficult finding a job after your graduate if your degree is from an unaccredited institution.

For more information about accreditation, check out these sources:

• College Accreditation in the United States
• Complete Guide to Accreditation
• U.S. Department of Education-Accreditation Database

JMHS

JMHS prepares high school graduates to continue their education at a college or university. Ashworth College, its parent institution is one option for graduates who want to pursue a college degree. It offers an affordable education including career diplomas, professional certifications, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Click here for more information about Ashworth College.

These resources will help you begin your search for the right college after graduating from an accredited online high school. Start your college search as early as possible and you will be amazed at how many opportunities are open to you.