The Internet has drastically changed the way we live, including how we learn. Suddenly, vast information on almost anything under the sun is available to any Internet user with just a few clicks of the mouse. This revolution has been embraced by educational institutions and today, online universities are growing in popularity with over 2 million people presently enrolled in various online courses and degrees.

It is estimated that enrollment in online universities will grow more than 30 percent in the coming years. This is not surprising given the fact that more than half of the adult working population in addition to about 60 million adults is presently continuing their education. Moreover, online programs are being offered today by close to 700 accredited educational institutions.

If you're considering pursuing a college education or post-graduate studies by attending an online university, here are some things to look for as you search for a school:

1. Accreditation: Ensure that you will receive high-quality of education and that your degree will be recognized for future employment by choosing an accredited online university. It is best if your prospect university has received accreditation from its regional accrediting body.
   
   
2. Quality Online Technology: Since online universities are fairly new, many schools still suffer from major shortcomings in the area of technology. You can imagine how this can cause problems for students since the entire format of an online degree relies on technology. Frequent glitches in the system defeat the purpose of enrolling in an online university for its efficiency. Therefore, make sure the school you choose offers a simple setup that is reliable. Additionally, make sure there is sound technical support available to students.
   
   
3. Faculty: The online classroom is very different from a traditional classroom, which is why a good teacher who may be good in a regular setting may not be very effective when teaching an online class. This makes it very important that you choose an online university with instructors that have been trained on the productive and efficient facilitation of an online course.
   
   
4. Size of the Class: One rule of thumb in choosing a good online university is by looking at the number of students per class. Smaller classes are better because the instructor can give more of his or her attention to each of the students. It is important to note here that you are looking for fewer students in each class and not few classes. The latter would mean low enrollment, which could be a sign that there are problems with the program.
   
   
5. Length of Degree Programs: In general, online degrees should take about 2 to 3 years if you are not enrolled in school full-time. Be wary of schools that seem to want to keep you enrolled for a longer time. Request for a curriculum outline before you start any online degree programs to make sure the time it would take you to graduate is reasonable.
   
   
6. Strictly Online Format: Not all online universities offer purely online degree programs. Some have programs that combine on-campus instruction with online studying. There are students who find this option attractive but you need to watch out for online universities that employ mediums of instruction that are not very effective such as CDs or mail.
   
   
7. Reputation: You would know a good school because its reputation precedes it. If you are not familiar with a school, then ask the people you know about it. It is best if you can speak with current students and graduates to find out whether they are satisfied with the online degree programs.

Today, online universities offer unmatched flexibility and convenience to anyone who wants to pursue a college education. Keep in mind the tips above to help you find a good online university.