Frequently Asked Questions

Question - Is it more expensive to take classes online as opposed to at a campus?
Answer - Tuition is generally the same for the courses, but there may be an additional online fee per course.

Question - I don't live in Oregon; can I still take distance education classes?
Answer - Yes, even if you live outside of Oregon you can still take the courses offered through Oregon Colleges Online.

Question - Can you receive a degree or certificate by taking only distance education courses?
Answer - Yes, there are degrees and certificates available. Click here to see what is currently available.

Question - What courses are offered through distance education?
Answer - Click here to see a list of the different courses, listed by subject, that are offered through distance education.

Question - What are the different ways in which I can take a distance education course?
Answer - Click here to see the different formats that distance education has to offer.

Question - Where do I buy my books for a distance education course?
Answer - You can buy your books online from the bookstore of the college that you enrolled with.

Question - Are the courses offered on a quarter or semester basis?
Answer - All of the schools affiliated with Oregon Colleges Online are on a quarter system.

Question - Is there a certain time of the day that I have to be online?
Answer - Generally speaking, you can participate in your online class any time of the day or night unless your instructor specifies a time for you to be online for an assignment, chat session, etc.

Question - Can I be enrolled at two different schools at the same time?
Answer - Yes. But keep in mind that your transcripts for each school may be different. It would be your responsibility to make sure that each school has the proper information in regards to the courses that you have taken.

Question - How do I enroll for distance education courses?
Answer - You can enroll for distance education via the Internet or over the phone. To see a list of the schools that offer distance education courses, and to link to their Web sites, click here

Question - What is the difference between a host college and a provider college?
Answer - If a school is a provider college, then that school would be responsible for delivering the instruction. If a student wanted to take a course offered by a provider college, the student would have to enroll through the provider's school.

If a school is a host college, then that school would not be responsible for delivering the instruction. Instead, that school would have the ability to offer the course to the students that are enrolled though their school. The class would be taught at another school, but the student would receive credits through the host school.

For example, if Portland were the provider for a specific course, then the student would have to enroll through Portland in order to take the course. But, if that same course was being offered by a host college at the same time, for example through Lane, then the student would have the option of enrolling either through the provider college (Portland) or through the host college (Lane).

Question - Can I still receive financial aid if I am taking distance education courses?
Answer - Yes, but it will vary from school to school. Make sure you that you speak with your school's financial aid representative for details.

Question - How many distance education courses can I take during a term?
Answer - Usually you are only limited to what you can personally handle academically or financially. If you are receiving financial aid, you may want to speak with your school's representative.

Question - Do I need my own computer in order to take distance education courses?
Answer - No. You can use a friend or family member's computer, use a computer at a local library, or use a computer in a lab at the school in which you are enrolled.