Distance Learning Rules & Qualifications Available

New rules for distance learning in the United States were released last year. Here is a high level guide to understanding the rules and the distance learning qualifications available.

Laws relating to distance learning

Every distance learning college must be able to meet the approval standards of every state in which it has students or faculty members to qualify to award financial aid. The intent behind these regulations is to protect students and taxpayers from fraud and abuse. If an institution is not authorized to operate in a particular state, then it will not receive federal aid and could be penalized. In other words, distance learning must be regulated on a state by state basis and the approval levels vary. There are different levels of approvals from having a physical presence to needing no requirements at all. These rules are in addition to those that already exist.

In 1998, the Distance Education Demonstration Program (DEDP) was created as a test to see if the rules regarding financial aid for distance education needed to be changed. Congress granted a number of distance learning colleges, universities, systems and consortia of institutions waivers from the 50-percent rule and/or 12-hour rule in order to give students greater access to Title IV funding.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, are federal guidelines that deal with the privacy of student records. In particular, FERPA addresses the confidentiality of student education records, as well as the release and review of those records. Students have the right to review their educational records and request amendments to those records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights.

Qualifications Available by Distance Learning

Distance learning incorporates courses from every faculty although not all courses are available via distance learning. Many universities offer hybrid courses for degrees or diplomas that require some in-class engagement. The best way to decide what to take in distance learning is to consider the following questions:

Do you know what you would like to study or what degree you would like to earn?

Do you prefer particular schools or school reputations? In other words, is it imperative that you enter a nationally-ranked top ten business school?

Do you know the top-rated schools for your field of study?

Have you considered what you intend to do with the degree once you graduate?

Do you know if this school/degree/program will enable you to meet your goals?

Do you have a budget or know what amount of tuition you can afford?

Do you have personal scheduling considerations?

Have you spoken with those already working within the profession you are aspiring to enter? What do they have to say?

Are you going to be employed part-time or full-time while a student?

What are your familial obligations? Can you sacrifice time away from your family to learn and if so, how much?

Do you have the support of your family and does everyone have realistic expectations as to what will be required of you?

Do you want to attend distance learning at an accelerated pace, full-time, or part-time?

How much education do you currently have? How many transfer credits, etc.?

Are you willing to take a GMAT or GRE if required for the school's application process?