1. Be sure to thoroughly research your options with a checklist of must-have and nice-to-have program features.

When talking to an admissions representative or browsing a university’s website, be sure to research rankings, accreditation, academic and technical support and other factors that will impact your education. In the article, How to Choose an Online College: Essential Elements to Consider, you will find a downloadable worksheet with these points and more to help keep you organized during your search for the right graduate degree program.

2. Take a test drive of the university’s learning management system to be sure they can provide an optimal learning environment.

As you continue your research, the online environment is another important factor to consider. Each program delivers their content using various modes of technology. Understanding what the classroom looks like and how it is run will impact your decision. See examples of the different types of platforms that transform learning into exciting and immediate take-aways for adult learners in Online Learning for Adults: The Reinvented Classroom.

3. Understand the financial implication of returning to school and choosing a specific program.

When searching for your degree program, understand the relationship between cost and the return on investment.

Many people go to graduate school for an increase in salary, a promotion or even a career change. Since graduate school can have significant impact on these things, knowing the cost of the program and how you are going to pay for it will drive your decision.

To help get you started, Understanding Financial Aid: How to Pay for Grad School cover topics such as federal and private loans, grants and scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Many people find that, over time, the return on investment is substantial.

Choosing the right graduate degree program may take some work, but it is worth your time. Your research will lead you to choose a graduate degree program that fits your educational needs, career goals and financial expectations.

Quinnipiac’s graduate admissions team is ready to help answer your questions and provide you with information that will help you make an informed decision.