Online high school diploma courses are offered by public and private schools, universities, and colleges, providing a convenient and flexible way to earn a diploma at one’s own pace. Students who started in a traditional setup can also complete their diploma online. But with numerous options available, it can be confusing to identify which courses are worth the investment. Considering certain factors can help one make a well-informed decision when selecting a course.
1. Learn about the types of courses
In general, there are four main types of online high school diploma courses, including public, private, charter, and university/college sponsored. Many homeschooled students prefer to enroll for programs offered by private and accredited high schools because they provide a structured curriculum and the necessary assistance to complete the course. Each type of program has its own unique features and benefits. So, it is important for one to carefully consider one’s needs and preferences to determine the most suitable course for earning a high school diploma.
Online public and charter school diploma courses
Charter and public schools typically receive government funding for operating and providing education to the masses. These online courses are overseen by states and districts and are generally free for resident minors. Moreover, the courses have state approval and regional accreditation. Due to their minimal or no cost, most of these online public schools courses have stringent guidelines with limited course selections. Plus, only certain sections of the population that reside in the particular state or district are eligible to apply for these courses.
On the other hand, online courses provided by charter schools offer higher levels of flexibility, featuring specialized programs that can be tailored to individual needs. But these programs often run a risk of losing state-funding and therefore, making them less reliable. Similar to public school courses, charter school programs are limited to residents of a specific state or district.
Online private high school diploma courses
Private high schools offer a variety of programs with differences in quality of the courses, tuition fees, and accreditation. Usually, these programs are known for providing top-notch education value and specialization programs curated to different learning styles. Besides this, these courses are accessible to anyone, anywhere, as they have minimal government oversight. That said, it is important to note that these courses tend to be on the expensive side.
College/university-sponsored diploma courses
High school diploma programs offered online by colleges or universities usually hold regional accreditation. These courses are highly flexible, offering advanced and high-quality curriculum. Besides this, many of these programs follow the dual credit system. Unlike traditional private or public school based programs, these university-sponsored ones involve menial interaction with instructors, making them best suited for independent, self-motivated learners. But these programs have rigid admission standards and are generally more costly than the course offered by public, charter, and private schools.
2. Look at the accreditation
When considering distance education programs like online high school diploma courses, it is crucial to verify their accreditation status. A legitimate accreditation from reputable organizations ensures that the course holds recognition by employers and other higher education institutes like colleges and universities.
Generally, accreditation is granted by private, non-government organizations. Most online high school diploma courses are accredited through nonprofit accrediting organizations like AdvancED, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. These accrediting organizations thoroughly review the courses to ensure that the institute provides all the necessary support and assistance to students to meet their learning objectives and recognize their full potential.
In general, courses that have been accredited by agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or USED are considered reputable and reliable. Regional accreditation by a state or district is also widely accepted and recognized when pursuing college degrees or job opportunities.
3. Review the course fees
The cost of enrolling in an online diploma course can vary significantly depending on the school or institute offering it. So, it becomes important to carefully review the details provided in the terms and conditions regarding tuition costs, payment plans, potential discounts, and any additional charges before committing to a course. Typically, the overall cost of a course covers expenses for textbooks, study material, and access to tutoring assistance. Further, some courses may provide discounts based on previously earned credits transferred from other programs to the current one. Additionally, certain courses offer dual enrollment classes, allowing prospective students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously, which can result in substantial cost savings. On average, the monthly course fees can be as low as $55, while the total price range for an online diploma typically falls between $1,000 and $20,000. A legitimate diploma from a reputable institute should ideally be priced anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.
4. Consider the duration of the course
Generally, online high school diploma courses last for about 12 months, although there are some programs that allow students to work at their own pace. This means that students have the flexibility to complete the course earlier if they wish to. Before enrolling for a course, one should check whether it is a self-paced program that offers flexibility in completion or if it follows a fixed, non-negotiable schedule that requires a student to complete a specific number of credit hours each month.
