Resources for College Students

By OnlineU Staff | Updated 6/10/2020

The first step towards going back to school is informing yourself and establishing realistic expectations about your options. If you aren't sure how distance education works or whether it's a viable option for you, begin with our Getting Started section. To learn about options for reducing the financial burden of higher education, look into our financial aid articles. We've also compiled information on various types of accreditation to clear up questions you may have about an institution's credentials.

Start Your Online College Search:
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money.
student with laptop

Getting Started

Starting the process of pursuing an online education? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to prepare for the online learning experience and choose the right school for you.

student with laptop

Financial Aid

This guide to financial aid will give you an overview of different types of aid available, direct you to helpful scholarship and loan sites, and answer your most important financial aid related questions.

student with laptop

Accreditation

This guide will explain what accreditation is, why it matters, and how you can be sure that your school has this important stamp of approval.

  1. Programmatic Accreditation
  2. Regional Accreditation
  3. National Accreditation
stack of books

Applying to Online College

This is OnlineU’s definitive guide to applying to online schools, including enrollment policies, timelines, and tips on ordering transcripts, writing essays, requesting recommendation letters, and more.

person wearing graduation cap and gown

College Guide for Undocumented Students

This guide includes information and resources for undocumented students to help them navigate the process of earning a college degree, including federal and state laws, how to choose the right school, and options for financing a degree.

Mental Health Guide for College Students

Learn strategies for addressing common mental health issues affecting college students, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Our guide includes expert interviews with two mental health counselors.

office workers at a meeting

Learn About Careers by Major

Explore each major you’re considering to learn about careers that graduates pursue. We use data from authoritative government sources to determine the most popular and highest paying jobs for each degree, as well as which fields are likely to grow quickly in coming years.

Group of students huddled around a laptop working and laughing

College Guide for Latinx Students

This guide is designed to help Latinx students understand and navigate some of the more common challenges that may prevent them from earning their college degrees. It highlights resources that provide support, identifies scholarships for Hispanic students, and features expert insight.

Group of three students focused on reading their text book

College Guide for Black Students

This guide includes expert insight and offers tips to help African American students find the right college, apply for scholarships, and navigate common challenges.

Group of five students focused on reading their text book

College Guide for Minority Students

This guide features expert advice to help Minority students find the right college, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and overcome common barriers.

Trends & Insights

We provide expert editorials and up-to-date news about the online higher education space.

Every industry in the world has been impacted by COVID-19. Read more about the degrees with best ROI during a recession.