Hi I was wondering if anyone here could help me.

Im looking for a fairly cheap school, to take a handful of courses at. It has to be accredited. I'd really like one that allows me to start whenever Id like, as opposed to fall/spring/summer schedules, but that doesn't have to be the case. I took some through a community college once, but some of the courses required coming to campus a couple of times, and thats not an option for me anymore. I would also prefer a school that doesn't require that I go through the entire regular application process(transcripts, test scores, etc) . Christian schools are also a plus, but not a requirement.

 I was recommended Taylor University, everything looks great, but the tuition is $275 a credit hour, and thats a little difficult to pay out of pocket right now.

 If anyone knows of any schools they think might fit this, or just some with really cheap tuition, please let me know. Thanks

Hi Manu,

 I am not a guru on exactly what your are looking for, but based on the pace you want to go I'd suggest an Independant Study course. Generally IS courses are more applicable to people that cannot attend an online class with other students and follow strict timelines. Often enough, if you decide to attend an online university and decide to switch from an IS to a traditional online classroom there would be hardly any issues there. I know a number of people of whom had taken IS courses when their demanding schedule at work made it difficult for them to attend the online classroom.

 So at the very minimum I would suggest that whatever college you look at make sure they offer IS courses. In many cases you will have to call the college to see if they have IS courses from their online program because they generally do not advertise it. I am sure Steve or Cajun can fill you in more in this area.

 Good luck and let me know how things turn out.

 Brack

 

Louisiana State University has a great set of independent study courses where you go at your own pace.  You can't get a degree from them, but they have a variety of courses:

http://is.lsu.edu/courselist.asp?level=CO&online=0&nid=102

They're also very inexpensive.  Their site says, "The current fees for LSU independent learning courses are $80 per semester hour. There is an additional $10 processing fee for each course. Thus, the cost of a two-hour course would be $170, a three-hour course would be $250, etc."

Hope this helps,

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

I can vouch for LSU, they have a quality independent study program going for sure.

You could try Stevens-Henager College. The college offers excellent range of online degree programs, is accredited and classes start every month so there is no need for you to wait for a course to begin. Another advantage is that the Financial Aid counselor at the college is exceptionally pro-active and they even help you with a personalized financial plan in case you are in need of aid but don't know where to start looking and what to do. All the best.

Also, where are you resided? What state are you in? If you are having trouble paying tuition, talk to your school counselor about getting financial aid. They will be able to explain to you the criteria and eligibility for aid.