By Dona DeZube

If you're thinking about signing up for an online MBA program, it's wise to know what you're getting into. Here's a list of questions to ask the admissions counselor.

• What percentage of the coursework is presented online, in person, via phone or on video?
  
  
• What career counseling and placement options are available, and how long after graduation can I access those services?
  
  
• Do you have any networking groups?
  
  
• Are you accredited? If so, by whom?
  
  
• What are tuition, fees, books and supplies going to cost? What other expenses will I incur?
  
  
• What training do faculty members receive?
  
  
• Do the same professors teach online and on-campus courses?
  
  
• Can you provide the names and phone numbers of graduates in my area of expertise or in my town?
  
  
• Are classes synchronous (meaning you must be in a chat room at a particular time) or asynchronous (meaning you post your comments whenever)?
  
  
• Do I have to take proctored exams? Where and how will that happen?
  
  
• Is the program ongoing, or is there a particular start date?
  
  
• Will I move through the program with a single group or on my own?
  
  
• What is your dropout rate?
  
  
• How many hours of work are involved each week?
  
  
• What are your refund policies?
  
  
• Do I have to buy my books from your store?
  
  
• Do you have financial aid information?
  
  
• Does my employer have a program with your school?
  
  
• How can I get my employer to pick up the tab for this degree?
  
  
• What prior experience must applicants have? If the answer is none, consider how valuable your interactions with fellow students are going to be.

Request information packages from top online MBA colleges like Capella University, University of Phoenix and Strayer University.