Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Alaska education online.

Are Alaska education online programs actually located in the state?

No, most online education programs are national or regional in scope. You may be referred to an online college or university in Alaska, but the location of the institution makes little difference with distance learning. As long as your school is accredited for the region in which you reside, you can choose any school regardless of location.

What is online education?

Online education is an Internet-based form of distance learning. Students take classes usually in pursuit of a degree, but online schools are also open to non-degree seeking students or those pursuing certifications or continuing education classes. Alaska online education offers much the same things that any institution of higher learning would offer: associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

How does the cost of Alaska online education compare to that of a traditional campus?

The costs for every institution will be different. Speaking in general, however, online classes tend to be cheaper on average than those taken at a brick-and-mortar school. Online institutions do not have the pay for the tremendous cost of facilities, parking structures, and other expenses that drive up overhead. In many cases, these savings mean cheaper tuition for students. Additionally, you will not have to worry about the expenses that come with commuting to campus, such as parking passes, gas, and vehicle maintenance.

Can I get financial aid if I get my education online?

Yes, you can still receive financial aid when pursuing an online degree. To be eligible for aid, you will need to be enrolled in classes at least half-time with most loans and attend an accredited learning institution. When you decide on a specific school, you can talk to the financial aid department for details.

Will my professors have the appropriate credentials?

If you attend an accredited Alaska education online program, the school's instructors will have to meet certain degree requirements and other standards. With most accreditation agencies, the instructors must have at least a master's degree in order to teach. For graduate courses, a Ph.D. is usually required.

Is this site run by an online college?

No, we refer prospective students to online learning partners for free, but we are not a learning institution. We work with most major distance learning universities and colleges, however, to provide our visitors with information and resources on online education. If you would like to talk to a school about pursuing your education online, we can put you in touch with one of our affiliates.

Since online courses can be very different than attending a traditional class, Staying Connected in Online Classes can be difficult at first but new students adjust quickly.