<p>I have been attending the university in my state (on my 2nd semester). However, it takes an hour every day to travel up there and I really can't afford to live on campus. One of the things I loathe the most is driving. I am majoring in computer science and applied mathematics right now . I am considering a switch to an accredited online college. I have already taken 3 math classes online and they have gone fairly well (A or B in all 3 so far). </p>
<p>After trying both I have really developed a preference for online classes. I am very nervous about earning an online degree. I read that the government has conducted studies that distance learning is just as effective, but will my employer think the same? I don't want to go through all the work only to get screwed over because I simply earned it online!</p>
<p>Secondly, is it more cost effective? I do suppose that would depend on what school you go to...? I am currently paying about $3,000/semester.</p>
<p>Lastly, does anyone know of an Accredited online college that offers degrees in my major (CS/Math) that are less than $3,500 a semester? Has anyone ever been denied an opportunity to due to the fact their degree was earned online? Do online colleges usually transfer all credit from university whether it be from AP/IB, online or campus-based credit?</p>
<p>Don’t go to a for-profit university, those are the online schools NOT respected, where credits are not transferable, with prices/debt through the roof.</p>
<p>Don’t know anything about non-profit online schools.</p>
<p>You need to find an online program that is part of a college/university that has full Regional Accreditation. Many programs that claim to have some kind of “National Accreditation” award degrees that are not recognized by other institutions. Since you are looking for a very inexpensive option, you should start with the public universities in your own home state. Many public universities offer some online degrees.</p>
<p>There also is a whole Forum devoted to Online Degrees. Click on “Discussion Home” in the upper-left of this screen, and then scroll down to find it.</p>
<p>The previous two posters are absolutely right. Take online classes that are part of a non-profit college or university. I’ve certainly heard debates about whether those classes are as valuable as an on-campus experience, but I think almost everyone regards them as FAR superior to what you can get through outfits like Phoenix, Capella and Kaplan. (Full disclosure: I currently work for another part of the Kaplan company.)</p>
<p>I’ve seen some for-profits where masters level classes are being taught by people with bachelors degrees, for example.</p>
<p>I find it especially telling that at some for-profit websites, you can’t even find out what the tuition and fees are without filling out a form containing personally identifiable information, and allowing yourself to be contacted by a representative.</p>
<p>Additionally, while online classes tend to be more expensive than on-campus classes in general, typically the for-profits are outrageously priced in comparison to your local universities.</p>