- Do online colleges require special training, experience, or educational qualifications before taking courses?
The educational background required depends on the online college and course that a student wants to enter. Basically, accredited online colleges and universities require the submission of school records before being admitted to any college program. Should a student need more courses before getting into a certain online college program, the student will be notified by the online college or university prior to admission.
- What sorts of costs are involved to get into online colleges?
Costs also depend on the online college and the program that a student wants to take. A list of courses is made available to students who sign up for the online college programs so they will know how many units to take to graduate. Usually, the online college has a financial page where details of program costs can be found. Even when requirements change in the future, the number of courses listed at the time of enrollment will be the one honored so there are no worries that there will be more courses to take if this happens.
Ideally, students save on transportation costs since they do not have to go to a physical classroom. They also save on printing and miscellaneous school fees. But in addition to tuition, students who wish to attend an online college should also consider the following things that could incur added costs:
- Textbooks and supplies – students are often given a reading list or list of supplies by each professor. Books are often web-based or in eBook format that need to be purchased online.
- Reliable internet access
- Up to date computer (Mac or PC) which satisfies the technical requirements of the school
- Microphone and webcam for group work or oral presentations
- Additional software to open files (depending on the courses)