What does the online program really cost?
Online programs are not always more affordable than campus-based programs; however,
online programs may be able to help you save in other ways. Online degree programs
allow you to continue to work while you get your education and eliminate the need
for additional transportation or childcare.
When pricing the cost of education, determine whether the school bills by cost per
credit (or equivalent); the number of credits required; and any additional fees
for software, textbooks, labs or anything else. Bear in mind that tuition may also
increase over the course of a program. Be sure to determine whether you qualify
for any grants or scholarships.
When comparing the cost of different online degree programs, think about which offers
the best value for your money.
The AIU Online Difference
At AIU Online, your total program cost is determined by the number of credit hours
you take. Plus, tuition includes all software and textbooks.
Does the school have strong learning outcomes and student satisfaction scores?
One way to judge an online degree program is to look at how many students graduate
and how many go on to get good jobs. At many schools, online learning is still quite
new, and little graduation data may be available, but it is worth asking questions.
Student satisfaction surveys and other feedback may reveal strengths and weaknesses
in a school or program.
The AIU Online Difference
65.9 percent of all AIU Online students graduate; that percentage is even higher—72.9
percent—for students with some previous college experience.* Check out AIU Online Outcomes.
Want to learn more about AIU Online students? AIU Online’s website features many
student profiles, allowing you to get to know the great diversity of people you
can meet on the Virtual Campus—and to hear what they have to say about their experiences
on the Virtual Campus.
* Graduation rates are calculated using the number of students enrolled as of October
15, 2004, who graduated within one and a half times the degree program length.
Does the school provide accelerated delivery and accept credit from other schools?
Some online colleges and universities offer accelerated programs that allow you
to earn your degree faster than with traditional, on-campus programs. But be sure
you understand how the program is accelerated before you enroll. Some schools
require you to take multiple courses at once so you can graduate sooner. Others
allow you to take one course at a time, but shorten the length of the session for
a more intensive learning experience. Other strategies for speeding up graduation
include offering a year-round schedule and evaluating each student for credit transfer.
The AIU Online Difference
AIU Online offers an intensive, fast-paced environment tailored to the needs of
working adults and military students. Students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s
degrees take one course during each five week session. Traditionally, students pursuing
an Associate’s degree take two courses each five week session; in 2006, AIU Online
launched an alternative option for Associate’s degree seeking students who can also
elect to take only one course each session, extending the length of their degree
program.
AIU Online offers a year-round calendar with frequent start dates so that students
can begin to earn a degree when it is convenient for them. Our Prior Learning Assessment
Specialists are here to help students evaluate previous education and military experience
for possible transfer credit.
Does the online program fit the needs of your life?
Convenience and flexibility are two hallmarks of online learning. But not all programs
are created equal. Some offer more structure and support, and other leave it up
to the student to decide how much—or how little—he or she will participate. It is
important to remember that success in an online degree program takes discipline
and motivation. You will get out of it what you put into it. So be sure to select
a degree program that fits your learning style and needs.
The AIU Online Difference
The Virtual Campus of AIU Online is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is accessible
from any Internet-connected computer. That means you can study wherever and whenever
you want—on a lunch break at work, in the evening, even on the weekend. No matter
when you study, you will have complete access to your course materials and the online
library. Live lectures are even archived in case you cannot attend in person.
But your time at AIU Online isn’t completely unstructured. Students must log in
to the Virtual Campus at least one hour each week to maintain attendance. The most
successful students participate even more frequently. On average, students spend
10-15 hours per week on each class.
Consider each school’s teaching and learning approach as well as its curriculum.
All online degree programs are not created equal. The learning experience can vary
greatly from school to school. In some programs, coursework is primarily text-based
and students are expected to do most activities on their own. Other programs incorporate
multimedia course materials, call for group as well as individual projects, and
provide multiple opportunities for interaction among student and with faculty members.
Think about the kinds of learning experiences you might enjoy and what might be
most relevant to your career or personal ambitions.
The AIU Online Difference
At AIU Online, all courses include interactive, multimedia presentations that can
be replayed as often as needed for the student to become comfortable with the lessons.
Faculty members conduct live lectures that are archived for later review. They also
host discussion boards and keep regular office hours for students who want one-on-one
time with them. AIU Online students must complete a variety of independent projects
as well as small-group activities depending on the course and the instructor.
Evaluate the experience and credentials of each school’s online faculty.
Just as with a traditional, ground-based college or university, the quality of an
online school’s teaching faculty is essential. Some schools focus on faculty members’
academic credentials; others stress relevant professional experience. Also like
traditional universities, online schools tend to employ a combination of full-time
and adjunct faculty members.
The AIU Online Difference
AIU Online employs both full-time and adjunct faculty members. All are credentialed
and must complete a rigorous training program before teaching any courses. All faculty
members have professional experience in the fields they teach, allowing them to
expose students to the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in the workplace.
We invite you to learn more about
faculty members.