Online learning, also known as distance education, is a great way to experience the U.S. education system without leaving home. U.S. institutions offer a variety of full-time degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as individual courses.
Classes are facilitated through a variety of methods, including websites, mobile apps, email, telephones, and more. To receive credit from a U.S. institution for distance learning, the student usually pays a tuition fee.Â
There are options now available for online learning such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that are usually tuition-free, but in most cases do not offer credit.  The U.S. Department of State also facilitates a free in-person  in many countries.
In addition to full-time degree programs or individual courses, some U.S. institutions of higher education offer part-time blended programs that may be partially online and require occasional on-campus attendance, called "low-residency programs."
Students taking full-time online programs are not eligible for  but, when short-term U.S. attendance is required for low residency programs, a student visa is needed. Students attending a U.S. university in person for full-time degree study and who are also enrolled in any online courses should speak with the institution's Designated School Official (DSO) in the International Student and Scholar Office to ensure .
Why do students enroll in distance education?
- They have childcare or eldercare obligations.
- They cannot take time away from their current jobs to enhance their future employment possibilities.
- The program may be offered at a location that is not feasible to attend for economic, cultural, or political reasons.
Consider the following:
- Is the university accredited?
- How long has the institution been enrolling students in this program?
- How often and through what means is the program and curriculum reviewed?
- What is the average length of time it takes for a student to complete this program?
- Where can you find evaluations of this program?
- What types of employment do graduates of this program find?
- Will this program be recognized in your home country or by employers?