What is the difference between an online school & an online DIVISION school?

Hi everyone! What is the difference between an online school and an online division school? A school advisor mentioned that as we were comparing notes on my choices.

 

Hi Arya84! Welcome to Degree Info! Here's some info for new members: http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

It seems to me that what they are referring to is this: There are schools that are online only schools like Capella, Walden, NCU, Etc. These schools do not offer classes that you can physically attend because they are online only. There are many other schools that offer primarily traditional classes but also have an online division. Many of the state schools now have an online division as well as a traditional division. I attend Liberty University, which is a traditional, non-profit school. However, in recent years, they have opened an online division that has grown by leaps and bounds. The California State University system is the same; they have offered traditional classes for many years but have recently opened online divisions.

 

Thank you Surfdoctor! I figured that that's what it was but needed confirmation. I definitely am seeking online. Don't think it really matters division or not. That advisor sort of confused me. Anyways thanks a lot. Have numerous schools to research and choose. Not easy since I want to get the ball rolling already!

 

We can help you. That's what this board is all about; the unbiased (well, sort of unbiased) exchange of information about schools.

What level of degree are you seeking? What would you like to do with it?

 

I have a passion for anything humanitarian, culture, traveling to exotic places overseas and most of all become rich (in my soul & character) not money. BUT that might be difficult since I have a 2 year old and a family. So that being said, my career choice need to pay the bills. I would love to work for the United nations or a humanitarian organization. I'm extremely interested in International Relations/affairs. Plan on taking a TEFL course to teach English as a second language overseas. So basically I'm trying to incorporate everything into one.

I want a Bachelors in something that pertains to my passions and the International field. Any suggestions? Money is a big factor. So if an online college is cheaper to take 2 yrs first and then transfer I would do that! Maybe like a community one? So far I've applied at Schiller & Uni of Phoenix. Accepted to both. Still perusing community college of Philadelphia.

 

Well, the way that I think about it is this: an online school is virtual. there are no physical classrooms anywhere. instructors might be spread out across the globe. there is no "campus" in the conventional sense. maybe there's some admin offices located somewhere but you'll never set foot in them.

alternately a school with an online division does have a physical campus with students sitting in real classrooms. you could go there if you wished and in fact, sometimes schools insist upon this. the instructors might teach in these real classrooms or they might not. in either case, it's unlikely to matter because you're probably never going to meet them (unless there are required residencies). so there are schools that are B&M (brick and mortar) and those that are virtual. some people pay a lot of attention to this (I'm one) preferring the B&M schools while others believe there is little or no difference.

next you should ask about the difference between non-profit schools and for-profit schools. then you can cross-reference, creating four categories. depending on the strength of your feelings it might help you to narrow down your choices.

 

Schiller only holds national accreditation (legitimate, but not the highest standard). I, and many on this board will likely try to steer you away from it...you can do better for a LOT less money.

Uof P is Regionally Accredited (the best!) but is very expensive and there are many that will (legitimately or not) discount a degree from there. It has a less than sterling reputation. Again...you can do better for a LOT less money.

If money is a big issue (it is/was for me) then I would find an alternate route. I did a quick search on CC of Philadelphia, I think it is by for the best of the three you mentioned. A regionally accredited CC is perhaps the most well known, tried and true method, of reducing your overall costs. CC of P is a bit more restrictive in some ways than I would prefer, but looks like a viable option. There are some additional ways to reduce your overall cost...

You should at least explore CLEP and DSST exams for credit. If a school takes them (most do in one way or another) they can greatly reduce your cost and time to complete your degree. CC of Philly takes them on a case by case bases, many other schools are much more open and publish a list of what's accepted. 3 college credits ends up costing around $100 this way. You can do anything form a class or two all the way to an entire degree in this manner...depending on the school and your goals. If your considering strictly online schools there is no need to restrict yourself to Pa. schools...you can pick the best fit from any school in the country. My favorite 2 year school for the last year or so is New Mexico Junior College....they take a good bit of CLEP and are very affordable (about 1/2 the cost of CC of Philly) Tuition and Fees - New Mexico Junior College I know of one student who used the first half /second half of a semester (each 8 weeks) to squeeze in 24 credits at around $60-70/credit, that's a year of school for about the cost of 2-3 classes at UofP! http://www.nmjc.edu/distancelearning/ This is just one example, there are many excellent options available.

What sort of degree program are you ultimately hoping for?
Are you planning to apply for financial aid? Have you filled out your FAFSA application?

 

when you hear online, don't think cheaper- in fact- sometimes they cost a lot MORE than butt-in-seat classes. Cheapest route- go to your local community college (you can take online classes through them by the way) they will be fully accredited and you'll start with a highly transferable degree. You can complete an associate of arts (AA) or an associate of science (AS) through them for under $5000. You may even qualify for a pell grant which would make that FREE! In addition, you can speed up the process by maximizing your community college's CLEP policy. I completed all my gen eds this way. You can rock out a year of credits this summer, it's seriously awesome.

**Note** community colleges offer AOS and AAS degrees, these do not have the same transferring power as an AA or AS, so check.

With an AA/AS in hand, you have a ton of options, including but not limited to, online programs. I think you should get your AA/AS first. AND APPLY FOR A PELL GRANT!