Here are eight questions to ask yourself.

1. Do the benefits of distance learning outweigh the benefits of living on campus to complete a degree?

2. Do I require live interaction with other students in order to learn most effectively or am I more adept at setting my own pace and becoming self motivated?

3. Do I have the necessary technical equipment and operational skills to participate in the distance learning course I'm investigating?

4. Do my long-range goals require an actual degree or will I be satisfied with non-degree courses for continuing education purposes?

5. Are on-campus seminars required and how will that affect my schedule and budget?

6. Do I have the budget necessary to complete a series of courses or an entire degree? Are there scholarships available which might apply to my area of study? What student loans are available and how will a student loan affect my budget?

7. Does this course or degree program require a local mentor or proctor? Who might I ask to help me with this role?

8. Does the degree or series of courses I'm looking at require a great deal of academic writing? If so, have I done well with previous writing assignments and am I capable of keeping up with high writing expectations?