8 Top Schools & Universities

Checking a school or university before you enroll

Companies here include online K-12 programs, career colleges, universities, recruiting services for student athletes and services that send transcripts. Enrolling costs real money and years of time, so check carefully.

• Accreditation. Confirm it with the accrediting body or the education authority in your country, not only on the school's own site.
• Credit transfer. If you plan to move on later, ask the next school whether it accepts these credits.
• Total cost. Ask for tuition, fees, books and technology costs per term, and the refund schedule if you withdraw.
• Financial aid. Understand which money is a grant and which is a loan you must repay.
• Recruiting services. For athlete recruiting, ask exactly what the fee buys and whether any result is promised.

Warning signs and common problems

Reviews describe high-pressure enrollment calls, unexpected charges, difficulty withdrawing and credits that would not transfer. Do not sign on the first call. Get all costs in writing. Keep copies of enrollment agreements and withdrawal requests. On CandorRated, each company page shows who appears to run the website, how long the domain has existed, the contact details found and reviews from students and parents. Filter by country or city to find local institutions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check accreditation?

Use the official directory of the accreditor or education authority.

Will online credits transfer?

Only if the receiving school accepts them. Ask before enrolling.