A traditional college experience requires a student to attend classes in a designated place and at specific dates and times. Class attendance is essential to success in the program. Making up or retrieving information will usually require scheduling time with the instructor and completing make-up assignments.
Enrolling in online courses works well for the nontraditional student. This is typically a student who is working a full-time job and/or caring for a family. Students are able to choose convenient times to access their classes and are given assignment requirements and expectations in advance. This allows the student to work at his own pace without the concern of not receiving all the necessary information.
Admission criteria for traditional universities can vary. Public institutions usually have fewer restrictions and more attainable academic qualifications. Unlike public universities, private schools often require entrance interviews or videos as well as proof of community service and higher-level academic achievement. Many private colleges often require you to be in the top 25 percent of your graduating class.
Admission criteria for online schools can vary. If the schools is a traditional university that happens to offer online programs, the criteria may not differ much from the traditional program. However, a school that operates mostly online may have admission policies that are less strict that traditional schools. Proof of high school graduation or completion of a GED program as well as minimum passing scores on standardized tests are usually required. Unlike many traditional schools, online schools will often admit applicants who have not obtained minimum scores on a provisional basis. The provision usually requires the student's completion of a minimum of two semesters with a certain overall grade point average.
Traditional public universities are less expensive than most online private universities. Public colleges that offer online courses generally have competitive and affordable prices. However, private institutions usually charge rates comparable to their traditional campuses.