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Key Tips for Selecting a Certified U.S. College

By WTOP Staff

According to U.S. law, before a U.S. school or vocational program can enroll international students, it must first be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program — a program housed within the Department of Homeland Security. The certification process confirms the U.S. school is bona fide and operational. Doing so provides a level of protection for both U.S. citizens and international students studying in the U.S.

When a school requests certification, it submits evidence to prove it is a bona fide school; is an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study; possesses the necessary facilities, personnel and finances to conduct instruction in recognized courses; and actually engages in the courses it purports to offer.

Additionally, depending on the type of program, schools must provide a minimum number of hours of classroom instruction each week. Distance-learning programs are not eligible for SEVP certification. These requirements help maintain the sanctity of the international student program to ensure only legitimate schools offer education to international students.

[Find out what to look for in an international students office.]

Some U.S. schools are not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education. If this is the case, those schools must submit additional evidence before they receive SEVP certification.

All Intensive English Programs must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency before they can enroll international students. International students should verify whether the school they plan to attend is listed in the Department of Education’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs before enrolling at that institution.

If a school doesn’t comply with U.S. regulations, SEVP can withdraw the school’s certification to enroll international students. If this happens at a school where you are enrolled, you’ll be provided directions on how to stay compliant with U.S. laws. Urgent information for students affected by a school’s certification withdrawal is posted online. International students can also call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 or email questions about their options.

[Know what international students need before getting to the U.S. ]

Prospective international students can find a list of SEVP-certified schools on the Study in the States website. This website is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, and the list of certified schools is updated every Wednesday.

International students can search for schools by name, location or type of educational program. They can also download the entire list of SEVP-certified schools.

Since schools and programs offer different program and course options, it is a student’s responsibility to ensure the school they choose is right for them and meets their expectations.

[Explore more ways to research U.S. colleges.]

You should pick a school or program based on your interests and think through other factors such as campus location, climate, school size and costs. SEVP urges international students to properly research and consult with advisers from EducationUSA, a program managed by the U.S. Department of State, before applying to and attending college in the U.S.

Have more questions? Prospective international students can visit the Study in the States website to learn more about the international student process.

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Solve 4 Myths About International Student Recruitment Agents

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Key Tips for Selecting a Certified U.S. College originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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