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This doesn't really apply for a Higher Ed degree, but for others considering online, for-profit education - please be very sure to check that the degree or credential will do what it's supposed to do. There have been horror stories in the Chronicle about students who received credentials (I think in nutrition or dietetics) that the recruiter assured them would satisfy the state requirements, but after graduating they found that they weren't allowed to take the state's qualifying exam because their program wasn't recognized. They were stuck with an essentially useless credential.
Also be aware that many graduate schools may not recognize an online degree from a for-profit institution if you choose to go on to further education, like a doctorate. There's debate over whether this is non-profit snobbery or legitimate concern about the quality of the degree, but either way, it can be a serious disadvantage.
The Chronicle has also reported that while for-profit online programs (particularly at the undergraduate level) are not as difficult to start (what with constant rolling admissions and the ease of attending "in your PJs"), they are very difficult for many students to finish. Their graduation rates are pretty poor. However this could be correlation, not causation, since many students chose online coursework because they already have very busy lives that make attending a traditional program difficult.
Finally (and this somewhat ties into my first paragraph), do plenty of research on the program outside of what the recruiters will tell you. Non-profit universities employ admissions counselors, and a good one will tell you up front if their program is not a good fit for you. For-profit universities employ admissions recruiters, and oftentimes they will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you through the door. It's sales, not counseling.
I'm not saying for-profits cannot run programs well or that students cannot be successful with them. I'm just encouraging those considering these programs to be very cautious consumers.
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