Before You Enroll in a School...

Questions to Ask

Is the school accredited? Is it licensed by the State to provide the program I want?
Does the school provide all of the training that I need for the professional certification required for my career?
If professional certification is required for employment, how many students enrolled in the school's program pass the certification exam?
How long will it take to complete the program? How many hours a week will I be in class? How many hours of homework will I be expected to do?
If I decide to continue my education, will the coursework from my current school be accepted by other schools? Check with the school to which you may transfer and find out if they will accept your course work.
Can I get the courses I want at times that are convenient to me?
Can I get a refund if I have to drop out?
What are the attendance and grade requirements?
Does the school have modern facilities and equipment? Will I be trained on state-of-the-art equipment used in the field that I want to enter?
Does the school have enough equipment to ensure all students will get to use it?
What is the average number of students in each class? Will I have enough contact with my instructors?
What will I have when I complete the program? A degree? A certificate?
What does the school do to help graduates locate jobs?
Does the school provide free job placement services?
What percentage of graduates find jobs?
How much does the program cost? What does that include?
Do I have to pay all expenses at once?
Does the school offer financial aid? If so, what types?
Will my financial aid be enough to cover the cost of attendance? Will I have to pay any of it back? How many students who begin a program actually graduate?

Things to Do

Talk to employers for whom you would like to work and ask from which schools they hire graduates.
Call the Better Business Bureau and ask if anyone has complained about the school.
Browse the Internet for additional information about the school. Often you can read through past school newspapers to find out more intimate details of a school.
There are two agencies, one public and one private, that are responsible for approving or recognizing accrediting agencies. To confirm that the agency accrediting your school is approved or recognized, contact:

Accreditation and State Liaison Division
Office of Postsecondary Education
U.S. Department of Education
Regional Office Building, Room 3919
7 and D Street SW
Washington, DC 20202
(202) 708-7417
OR
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 854
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 955-6156
www.chea.org

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! AS A CONSUMER YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU INVEST YOUR MONEY.

Posted: 5/29/2001