A: Depending on the university, you may have the ability to apply and enroll for classes anytime whether online and/or by phone. Admissions information is typically posted on the university’s website.

When applying to a U.S.-based university, you should be prepared to prove that you’re proficient in English* and able to provide official school transcripts. With this information, you may soon be on your way to earning your degree at an online university.

*A passing score on an English competency test is typically required if your first language is not English or if you graduated from a non-English speaking school.

ˆBack to Top

A: Most online universities will need official copies of your transcripts documenting your previous education.

Prospective International students may have to submit documentation of high school graduation or the equivalent. Additionally, students that have taken college coursework and/or are holding an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree must submit an official transcript that has been translated to English.

Transcripts must typically be evaluated by an organization qualified to evaluate international transcripts and degrees such as Educational Perspectives. You are typically responsible for paying any fees associated with having your transcript translated.

ˆBack to Top

A: Yes, as most U.S. based universities’ online learning courses are taught in English.

ˆBack to Top

A: Yes. If your first language is not English (or if you graduated from a non-English speaking school), you may need to provide proof of English proficiency or take the TOEFL exam.

Test of English as a Foreign Language, also known as TOEFL exams are typically used to measure your ability to use and comprehend English as it is used in the college or university setting. The TOEFL program provides English proficiency testing services for international students planning to study at educational institutions in the United States, Canada or other countries where degree programs and courses are taught in English.

You can take the TOEFL test in most regions in the world. To learn more about the TOEFL, studying for the TOEFL, finding a test center in your country and more, visit the TEOFL Web site.

Source: Toefl website.

ˆBack to Top

A:As an International student, one of the first things to keep in mind is that the majority of universities require that you pay your tuition and fees in U.S. dollars only.

ˆBack to Top

A: According to the U.S. Department of Education, a student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen to obtain federal financial aid. An eligible non-citizen is one who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C Alien Registration card. Students are also considered eligible non-citizens if they are on any of the following statuses: refugee, asylum granted, indefinite parole, humanitarian parole, Cuban-Haitian entrant, status pending, or an conditional entrant issued before April 1, 1980. Students are also eligible if they are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Source: U.S. Department of Education Information for Financial Aid Professionals Library

If you meet the requirements for receiving federal financial aid, please click here to learn more about financial aid.

If an International student does not meet these requirements they have the option of making cash payments or applying for a private, credit based loan.

ˆBack to Top

A: Private Loans
For alternative loans, International students are eligible for the following: No U.S. Co-Signer Required (Canadian Students Only)

Teri Loan
1-800-255-8374

International Students
Comprehensive Access Loan
1-800-282-1550

U.S. Co-Signer Required
Citibank CitiAssist loan
CitiAssist® Loans are available to full and part-time undergraduate students attending accredited four or five year universities or colleges and full and part-time graduate students attending accredited graduate schools. Undergraduate and graduate students who qualify as creditworthy individuals do not need a cosigner. International students must apply with a creditworthy individual who is a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and has a permanent U.S. address. Please visit the Citibank website for additional information.

Source: Citibank Website

Sallie Mae Signature loans
International students and those students with no credit or an insufficient credit history will need to apply with a credit-worthy co-borrower. It is to your advantage to apply with a co-borrower because your co-borrower's credit determines the lender’s interest rate and fees. After you've made 24 consecutive on-time scheduled payments of principal and interest, you may apply to have your co-borrower released (student borrowers must meet applicable credit requirements at that time). Co-borrowers must be US citizens or permanent residents, and provide proof of all sources of income. Please visit the Salliemae website for additional information.

Source: Sallie Mae Website

Cash Payment Plan
Payment plans are typically available to help students fund their education. At times, in-school payment plans are even interest free. If you are accepted to a university, a Financial Aid Specialist will assist you in setting up a personal payment plan.

ˆBack to Top

A: It’s possible, yes. Universities may accept credits from institutions accredited by any accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education including U.S. accredited international institutions. If you are submitting an English transcript from an accredited Title-IV-eligible institution located abroad, this will be evaluated the same way transcripts submitted from accredited schools within the U.S. are evaluated. Also, the university’s Academics Committee can review both your college credits and job experience to determine exactly how much credit they will accept toward your degree.

Your previous academic credentials will be compared to educational programs in the U.S. and you will be placed at the educational level that suits your educational background. Transcripts are usually evaluated considering the following criteria:

• Registration with the country's governing academic body
• Course or degree subject area
• Grading scale or criteria
• Unit of credit
• Course or degree descriptions
• Third-party analysis of country's degree comparability to U.S. degree

ˆBack to Top

A: Online Learners have several characteristics in common. First, successful eLearners are comfortable with computers and know how to navigate the Internet. For some Universities, it is helpful if you are familiar with real-time Internet chat, eMail, computer based CD-Roms, and word processing software — and have access to a computer and modem.

Next, successful eLearners are self-motivated, good time- and energy-managers, and know how to communicate clearly through writing.

Lastly, for some online learning programs, eLearners must be willing to commit 10 to 15 hours per week to studying and believe that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom. If this sounds like you, you’re probably a good candidate for eLearning.

ˆBack to Top

A: At some online universities, you can listen to your professors lecture during live classes. Some courses require students to login at specific times and other classes allow you to view archived lectures for later viewing at your convenience.

Outside of class, you may be able to confer with professors during designated office hours or via email.

ˆBack to Top

A: Online universities can be the perfect choice for military students. Many degree programs have been designed to help you graduate faster than at a traditional college. Additionally, your classes can travel with you as long as you have Internet access.

Research comparing distance education to face-to-face schooling seems to show that studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction, when there is student-to-student interaction, and when there is good teacher-to-student feedback. Based on your academic experiences, you should realize how important being proactive about this type of interaction can be.

The course content at most accredited online universities is very similar to that at brick and mortar colleges. Many online universities boast instructors with advanced degrees and prominence in their fields. Some would argue that there are more hands-on learning opportunities and real-world application in online classes than the large lecture halls of traditional schools.

ˆBack to Top

A: In general, course content is comparable – not more or less difficult. But there are other factors that go into the ‘difficulty’ perception.

One is involvement. Today’s eLearning can be pretty exciting with multi-media courses, real-time group interaction, and dynamic, online tutorials. Outside of class, students may interact on group projects through eMail, message boards, chat rooms and conferencing.

Like traditional college courses, some of the learning takes place during class experiences and some takes place studying on your own. Many students feel that they can achieve better focus online because the material (or exercise) is on the screen, right in front of them, without the distraction of a room full of other students.

Another issue is the pace at which learning takes place. Online courses may run for 5 to 16 weeks, depending on the institution. A five week course may seem like a quicker timeline than some courses, but in some cases, you’ll be taking just one course at a time. And, you can view most class lectures at your own pace –even stopping and restarting when you need to –and studying when and where it’s most convenient.

When one-on-one interaction with an instructor is what you need, take advantage of more technologically advanced universities regularly scheduled ‘live’ office hours. And, get to know the online resources that your university provides. Some universities have extensive research and study resources including research links that save time and effort. Free programs may even be available to make you a better writer or even a stronger student!

While the courses aren’t more difficult, the learning process is certainly different than traditional classroom learning. For many, online learning fits like a glove. So, be honest with yourself about your learning style and preferences. How much do you get out of the social aspects of being physically present in a classroom? Or, how focused and motivated can you be on your own?

If you’re a self-driven individual, committed to getting your degree on your own terms, you should be right at home with the eLearning lifestyle!

ˆBack to Top