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Before you had the chance to go to college, or finish your degree, you fell in love, settled down, and started a family. The wild and lofty dreams of your youth have been replaced. You now dream of days with no diapers, shirts without spit up stains, and pockets free from snotty tissues. You are a mother now, and your kids are your life. Anything you pursue now must accommodate them.

Recently, you have discovered a way to have the best of both worlds. The possibility of online college has rekindled some of those sparks from years gone by. Maybe this is your ticket; be there for your kids every day, and finish your degree. For some that sounds too good to be true, but you've done your homework so you know that's not true. With more and more colleges offering their courses online, you now could complete almost any degree with clicks of your mouse.

As a mother currently pursuing a degree online, I'd like to share some tips with you before you jump into something you're not fully prepared for. For the most part, online college isn't much different than traditional college. However, the differences are there, and they could be the distinction between success and failure if you aren't ready for them. If you are seriously considering enrolling in an online college program, here's a list of the 7 most important things you should know before you start the process.

1. Make sure the college is accredited and respected.

Diploma mills are real, and they are out there waiting to scam you out of your hard earned money. You will receive a diploma with your chosen degree and your name on it. You may even spend precious time on studies to earn it. But, the piece of paper will be worth next to nothing in the work force.

There are legitimate colleges out there that aren't accredited as well. The courses they offer are usually less expensive than the ones offered by accredited colleges, and they may boast shorter completion times. However, the degree you receive won't be worth much more than one you could have gotten through a diploma mill; and you won't qualify for any federal money to help pay the costs.

To become accredited, colleges must set specific standards, follow certain rules, and report to the Department of Education. If the school you choose isn't accredited, your diploma could be worthless to you when all is said and done. The quickest way to find out if the college you are looking at is accredited is to go to the Department of Education's website.

2. Get all

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