<p>I am thinking about going to Art Institute online program, however they are based on quarter system so credit requirement for BA is 180 credits. 180 credits translates into 55 classes and at $1381 per course the total is $82,360 cost for BA. Is this generally how quarter based schools work? Is AI cost of obtaining BA reasonable average cost for good school? I have seen other online programs with the average 120 credit requirement for BA, so are semester based schools more expensive per course so it averages about the same in the end, with just difference in schedule structure? Any insights from anyone would be truly appreciated.</p>
<p>The tuition costs generally add up to about the same amount for similar schools, regardless of whether they use quarters or semesters. I don’t really know anything about online programs, though.</p>
<p>The usual conversion is 9 quarter hours = 6 semester hours. The total classroom hours (or equivalent expected online/distance work hours), and the total tuition/fees generally work out to be roughly the same whether you study under the quarter system or under the semester system.</p>
<p>Some students prefer quarters, others prefer semesters. Online courses (and other distance formats) require a lot of self-discipline and good time management. Think carefully about your own personal temperament before you commit to an online program. I would suggest that you start with only one online class to give it a “test-drive”.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. So, 80,000+ is not way off base, because when I asked why so many classes/credits required for BA, which obviously results in higher dollar amount, they said because they are based on quarter system. School sounds great otherwise, just don’t want to pay tens of thousands more than necessary, or than cost average of BA elsewhere. Thanks in advance.</p>