Online, 300 Level courses that don't cost an arm and a leg?

[Chris in VA]

Looking like ds will have to do six more credits of 300 level or above courses to graduate with his degree.His school doesn't offer online courses, and he has to live at home. No more mula.

So, do you know of any colleges that don't cost a ton that might offer something? Community colleges here only do 299 level and below, since they are designed to transfer.

 

PS--has to be history.

[Vida Winter]

Would BYU Online be an option? It looks like they have 300 level courses for $489. You'd have to check and see if they would transfer.

[Lori D.]

How much per credit does his school cost? Will the school accept transfer credits? Especially, will the school accept credits from another school as part of DS's final credits? (Some schools require the last 1-2 semesters worth of classes be taken AT the school).

 

Would a relative be willing to loan the amount needed and DS pay it back with a small amount of interest when he's done with school? Or even start paying back while he's taking the classes and works part time? The relative would earn a bit more interest on the money than just having the money in the bank, and your DS would benefit with a lower interest rate and gentler pay-back schedule on a loan.

 

What about taking out a student loan for just the last 2 classes, and DS work while finishing those last 2 classes to pay for the loan? Even working part-time at a fast food joint at low wages for a year would likely bring in at least $5000 -- surely that would be enough to cover 2 classes?

 

Or, if college debt is not an option, what about DS works as much as possible -- may 2 or even 3 different part time jobs if that's all that is available -- for the next 6 months and earn the money and finish the last 2 credit classes in the spring?

 

 

Congrats to your DS, being so close to finishing his degree! And BEST of luck in finding what works to get those last 2 classes done! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

Old Dominion University has three in the fall and a couple over the summer. He might also look into non-degree seeking options for coursework at a local university. But as Lori pointed out, it would have to be checked out with his university to make sure that he could transfer. Would they even grant his degree if he wasn't currently enrolled at the first school?

[Chris in VA]

Money is not the only issue--he can't afford to live near the current school to take the classes, which is why we want to encourage online coursework. And pardon my French, but they dam* well better accept credits from somewhere else, considering it was their counseling program that told him he was good to go, to the point of letting him walk already at graduation.

[Barbara H]

Tough situation - not sure if any of these are the answer but there are a few ideas...

1. The majority of schools have a restriction that the last x number of credits need to be from that college. So, yes, he needs to investigate that very carefully before he considers any online course. He should try to talk to an upper level staff person in the registrar's office who is responsible for evaluating credits.

2. Colleges are concerned about their graduation rates and average time to graduation. If he hasn't already done so he should go up the chain beyond the adviser to ask for help. Maybe the department chair or dean can find some flexibility. Some colleges offer the option of departmental credit by examination, but they don't advertise this. Maybe there is a scholarship that can be found or some other option.

3. He may also want to ask about independent study through the college. That wouldn't necessarily be an online course, but with the cooperation of a professor he might be able to complete work on his own while living at home and then submit work through email and phone.

[Lanny]

This is very tricky and I sincerely hope it does not end up in litigation. As others have suggested, your DS needs to have a meeting with someone in Upper Management of his school. Have them suggest a solution that is satisfactory to you and your DS and then get an agreement in writing. Do not trust anything said verbally.... GL

[Lanny]

@Chris in VA - Any progress on this issue? We are into July, and the new semester will probably begin in August or September, so you don't have a lot of time to be patient... Sadly, I think if we were in your shoes, we would have our Attorney contact the Legal Department of the university. Hoping you can avoid litigation and resolve this to your satisfaction! GL