There is nothing to keep an institution from setting up its own accrediting agency, so Steven Crow, executive director of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education - North Central Association, advises looking for those recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Sellani cautions against programs limited to a particular program or software. Also beware of bells and whistles that require specific capability or know how, unless they add value and help you accomplish more learning. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, faculty quality is the factor most affecting student satisfaction with traditional academic programs. And it's just as important online.
Many programs use faculty who are working in their teaching field.
Sellani advises looking at who does the actual teaching, and how. Also check to see if the instructors are consistently available to students during the sometimes odd hours online learning requires and how quickly they respond. When comparing, be sure to include everything from tuition and fees to hardware and software. Most programs also offer demonstrations, and Pease urges taking advantage of them. These things will affect the quality of your experience, and perhaps that of your education.