Online students face fewer fees

Beginning with the Fall 2010 semester, students who do not physically attend any classes on the OSU campus will not have to pay several of the general fees, which will save full-time students more than $300 a semester.

Previously, tuition and fees for online courses were determined entirely by the individual academic college.

OSU students are subjected to 17 general fees each semester. The most expensive fees are the library automation and technology fee, which is $10.80 per credit hour; academic facilities fee, which is $10.50 per credit hour; and the academic excellence fee, which ranges from $9.75 to $25.75, depending on a student's year classification.

The new distance learning fee structure exempts off-campus students from seven of the general fees, which amount to $26.20 per credit hour and saves students enrolled in 12 hours or more $314.40.

Mark Weiser, the interim associate vice president of International Studies and Outreach, said prior to the new structure, tuition paid for online classes went solely to the academic college and fees were not assessed for the library or IT departments.

"Appropriate fees are being charged and given to the right places, just like every other course," Weiser said. "In the past, it (tuition for online courses) could have been higher (than on-campus classes), it could have been lower. It varied by college, and in fact, even within some colleges the price varied."

Now, under the new fee structure, the costs are more streamlined and consistent. In addition, OSU facilities and services needed to operate outreach courses will receive the necessary funding.

Under the new structure, academic colleges apply a supplemental off-campus fee to online classes. The supplemental fee ranges from $27 to $65 per credit hour for undergraduate coursework and $27 to $75 for graduate coursework.

Also starting in the fall 2010 semester, students can enroll in online courses via Student Information Services, the same online service used to enroll in many on-campus courses. Online courses are identified by section numbers in the 500's.

Previously, students were required to submit an application to the distance learning office of the academic college offering the online course in order to enroll.

Students receiving tuition waivers, which frequently have not covered online classes in the past, can now use their waivers to help pay for online classes as well.

Brad Case, an economics sophomore, has never taken an online class, but he doesn't see why there should be any difference between traditional on-campus classes and online classes.

"I think they should be treated just like any other class," Case said.

Case said unique skills are needed for both.

"Online classes are just as challenging as regular classes because you have to discipline yourself to get your stuff done."

*All fees listed in this article are based on the 2009-2010 school year.

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ENROLLING FOR FALL 2010 ONLINE COURSES:
A QUICK LOOK

• Tuition will be the same as on-campus classes, but certain fees will be different.
• Students can now enroll online through SIS.
• Online courses are now eligible for coverage under tuition waivers.
• New fees go into effect fall 2010. Tuition for summer 2010 courses will be determined by the academic college.

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Excused fee breakdown for online classes

General fees excused                                Amount per
under the new structure:                             credit hour:

Student activity fee                                     $2.50
Student activity fee—athletic                      $3.00
Student Union renovation                           $4.35**
Facility fee                                                  $7.70
Student development fee                           $2.00
Health Services fee                                    $4.35
Parking and Transit fee                              $2.30

**freshmen, sophomores and transfer students only