Online College vs Campus College education

I have a friend who guickly decided to go to a online college instead of a campus college, she made this decision without thinking about, well she didn't think about anything. This friend has three children and found that she could work and go to college easilly if you went online and this was the only basis for her decision. My friend attended this online college for one semester within that semester she filled out all her financial aid papers and turned in the silly assignments that her professor had her do, but she learned nothing and didn't get any financial aid; She actually ended up oweing this college $4000 days after the semester and she thought that it would be cheap, easy and rewarding, but actually ended up costing her some money that she is unable to pay. I kept telling her that she can set her own schedule at a community college and she should think about that first, but she saw the online college working for another friend and thought that it would do the same for her, but she's now sadly mistaken.
I post some info on the above subject.


On-Campus vs. Online Degrees: Which One is Better? By Amelia Gray
Distance learning has grown tremendously over the past decade. According to research company Eduventures, one out of every ten college students will be enrolled in an online degree program by early 2008. But until recently, online degrees have suffered poor reputations, due to the proliferation of diploma mills and unaccredited schools.Who's right? Is online education, as critics claim, a cop-out alternative to a real degree? Or is it, as students argue, a flexible way to provide educational access to non-traditional student populations?
1. The Question of Access When it comes to your education, access is a high priority. Can you get to a campus? Can you get to the one you want?
Online Degrees
On-Campus Degrees
A report found that improved student access is the top reason why schools create online courses and programs. For students looking at a long commute, online education may be a better option.
Large, traditional campuses may offer more internships and work opportunities connected to the college or university. If you're considering a nearby school, in-state tuition may offer further incentive to spring for a campus-based education.
2. Learning StylesThink back to learning situations you've experienced at work, in high school, or in other educational programs. How do you process information-and how good are your study habits?
Online Degrees
On-Campus Degrees
The ability to think independently is an asset to the online campus. You should also be able to budget your time and prioritize your education with existing commitments. Visual learners may find the most benefit here.
Academic leaders cite the need for discipline as the most critical barrier to online learning. If you thrive in environments with group learning and teacher attention, may benefit you the most.
3. What Types of Degrees are Available?The degree program you want may make the choice for you–not all degrees are available online.
Online Degrees
On-Campus Degrees in business, information technology, and healthcare management are popular choices for online degrees. Most course material translates well to the Web, and physical lab work is not necessary.

Will Employers Accept Your Degree?If you have a potential field or employer in mind, a little research may tell you how education has affected previous job applicants.
Online Degrees
On-Campus Degrees
A 2005 report by Eduventures notes that half of the participants they studied regarded online education as "equally valuable," and ten percent saw it as "more valuable" than on-campus education.
A recent survey of 270 small and medium-sized companies seeking managers or entry-level employees in accounting, engineering, business, and information technology found that a majority preferred on-campus degrees.
Want a compromise? Online degree programs from traditional colleges and universities offer a mix of online and on-campus courses.So which one is better? The short answer is: it depends on you. Whether you decide on campus-based education or pursue a degree online, you should choose the medium that fits both your learning style and your career goals.