How do I navigate this site?
You may search for schools by discipline or location. To search by discipline, click on the name of the category in the left-hand navigation. Some categories have subcategories that appear once the page of colleges has loaded. To search by location, use the pull-down menu to select the state or province where you would like to study. You also may enter keywords, such as cities or fields, or click on the "See All Schools" link to see a complete list of schools profiled on this site. From within a category or geographic list, you may click on the SCHOOL or LOCATION headings to resort the list.

I've never heard of some of these schools. Why is that?
Many of the colleges profiled on this site are private, for-profit ventures. They are part of a growing trend in higher education. There are currently about 800 private colleges in North America educating more than 700,000 students. They keep costs down by offering a no-frills, practical curriculum. You don't pay for sports teams or student centers, and the classroom is more likely to be in an centrally located office park than on a leafy campus. As one student at the downtown Chicago campus of the International Academy of Design & Technology said: "Why should I pay $16,000 to take a few English classes [at a public university]? Here I'm learning what I need to know to be a web designer." The major attraction of these colleges for graduates is that many have job placement rates of 80 percent or more. It's not unusual for computer grads to have multiple offers even before they start looking.

How does online learning work?
Schools that offer online instruction have a variety of methods. Some offer what is known as asynchronous programs, in which you work at your own pace. Others have synchronous programs, in which you have scheduled classes that are presented online (typically through video feeds). Class material may be presented on the Web, and class discussions may take place through online threads. Each online school can supply specifics about what their programs entail, as well as the technological requirements.

Why isn't the tuition cost listed?
Most colleges don't discuss tuition costs up-front because they don't want to discourage you from requesting information before they have a chance to research whatever payment plans, financial aid or loans they can offer. To say that a year of study costs $12,000 can be intimidating if you don't consider that low-interest student loans and financial aid may cover a large part of the tuition. See our guide to financial aid for more details. Costs vary by program, as well.

Are there other courses offered?
Many schools offer programs in business, culinary arts, aviation, health care and other disciplines. For guides to these schools, click here.

Will I be able to find a technology job?
Most schools offer career placement services to help you land a job after you receive your diploma, degree or certificate. And the prospects for the technology sector are good: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and data services will be the fastest-growing segment of the economy through 2010, with 1.8 million new jobs, for a growth rate of 86 percent. It estimates that computer systems managers will make upwards of $80,000 per year, that programmers will make upwards of $60,000 per year and that graphic designers will make upward of $40,000 per year.

Where can I buy textbooks?
We suggest searching at Deal Dude, which lists coupons and discounts at various textbook providers such as Barnes & Noble, eCampus and Textbookx.

What happens when I submit a request?
Typically the school will mail you an information packet that describes their degrees in more detail. If you provide a phone number, the admissions office may phone to answer any questions you have.

I have another question.
Your best bet is to contact each school's admissions department. This site also has a bookstore with a variety of college guidebooks.