Online colleges are programs that offer college degrees using the internet, typically in specialized or vocational fields of study. They include:
Another approach is taken by "StraighterLine", which offers basic courses (such as pre-calculus) which are recognized for credit by a few schools, but from there students can transfer the credits to many other schools. This can greatly reduce the cost of college education and enable many to obtain college degrees when it would be unaffordable otherwise. Accredited "partner colleges" that accept StraighterLine courses include Charter Oak State College, Fort Hays State University, Lake City Community College and Potomac College.[2]
A Washington Post article about the company explains:[3]
One student explained the cost advantage:[3]
Another student will complete his education at a cost of less than $20 per credit by obtaining transfer credits from Excelsior College, an online university.[3]
Every college has a different policy about accepting transfer credits, and some states have laws requiring state colleges to accept credits from in-state community colleges. In New Jersey, the legislature passed such a law as the Lampitt Bill,[4] and there is even a website facilitating obtaining full transfer credit.[5]
Categories: [Education] [Colleges]