The paper addresses controversial aspects of the implementation of the network educational programs. Under network educational program the author means the model for organization of the educational process, which allows students to use resources of various organizations enrolled. In the paper the author defines the importance of network educational programs; discusses advantages of network educational programs in the modern Russia; discusses controversial issues of application of network educational programs. To the controversial issues the author refers the following: roles of partner-universities in education; recruiting university vs graduating university; modern network universities; curricula adjustment; low level of regional students’ proficiency; residence requirement and financial aspect. The results of the study can be used in the development of network educational programs.