Online school is a fantastic alternative to a traditional college experience, with plenty of benefits for students, but some people are still wary of getting their degree online because they’re not familiar with the requirements for online school. If you’re considering an online degree, here are a few things you should know:

First of all, online school works a lot like you’d think. You log in to the school’s system to view and download coursework and exams for your classes, and submit the completed work via computer. Additionally, most online schools don’t require you to log in at a specific time, merely for you to submit completed assignments by a given date. This kind of flexibility in scheduling is a huge advantage over more traditional colleges or universities, where classes meet at a set time every day or week. At an online school, you’re in charge of when to study and work and when to do other things, such as work a part-time or full-time job. There’s a caveat about working online, though: you need to make sure your computer system meets the technical requirements of your school. If not, a hardward upgrade might be necessary.

Another thing to know about online school is that every legitimate online institution has been accredited, either by a national or regional agency. Employers only trust degrees from accredited online schools, so you need to make sure your college makes the cut. If you want to enroll in an online school, check out the searchable databases at the U.S. Department of Education as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to see if your school has been approved by respected accrediting agencies. The accreditation check is one of the most important steps in selecting an online school, and one of the most important things you need to know.

It’s also a good idea to read the fine print, just as you would for a traditional college or university. Check the school’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and see if any alumni or former students have lodged complaints against the online school. Talk with a counselor to see if there are any technology or equipment fees that haven’t been disclosed. How long will your chosen degree take to complete through an online school, especially if you’re working? These are just some questions you need to ask and things you need to know about going to online school. Once you have the answers, the convenience of an online degree will be that much closer.