Q. How much does is cost to get an online college degree?

A. Tuition varies substantially from one school to another, and even from one degree to another. Don’t expect to pay what you might for an Ivy League education, but online degrees can still cost a few thousand dollars. A survey of several online colleges showed that the average "class" costs between $900-$1200 US. Most degrees are made up of 10-13 classes. Most degrees then can end up costing about $10 000 to $12 000 when all is accounted for.

This may sound expensive, but remember that it was reported in 2002 that the average college degree from a traditional school is almost double this amount.
Source: U.S. Census, 2002

Q. Should I attend a traditional school or take distance courses?

A. One important factor is that it is simply not possible to study all areas of interest through an online college degree. Many of the natural sciences for example, require laboratory based work and could not be completed through the Internet. With the study of business however, it certainly is possible to obtain a first rate education online. Also take into consideration some of the issues raised on the Is it right for me? page. Most of the work is text based and is to be completed alone, on a schedule that is up to you to keep with. Be honest with your working habits when deciding if this is a good decision.

Q. Do I need any special technology to attend online courses?

A. All you need is a computer that is Internet ready and a reliable Internet connection.

Q. How do I know that a degree or school is reputable and recognized?

A. Check to see that the school and degree are certified by the governing body that covers your part of the country. These certifications should be easy to find on the school’s website. If it is nowhere to be found, the school may not be entirely reliable.