Peninsula College officials have established a $15,000 scholarship program for people interested in taking online classes

Starting during the winter quarter students will be able to use the Online Tuition Scholarship to pay for up to six credits costing no more than $420 during a two-quarter period.

Peninsula College President Tom Keegan said there are many factors that limit people from enrolling in college courses, including geography, cost and having the time to attend classes.

“We are trying to help make the time factor less limiting for students,” he said.

“Online classes allow people who may otherwise not be able to take a class do so.”

Lauren Wentz-Middleton, Peninsula College’s dean of arts and sciences, said national surveys have shown several patterns amongst students enrolled in online classes.

She said online students tend to be those with family responsibilities and limited time.

They are more likely to be: female, enrolled part-time, working full-time, older, financially independent, delayed post-secondary enrollment and be a parent, according to the survey.

Studying at night

“The most common time online students complete their course work is between 10 p.m. and midnight after the kids and their spouse have gone to bed,” Wentz-Middleton said.

“Anyone who has access to a computer, whether it be a home computer, a computer on campus, at a public library or at a friends, can take an online class.”

She said full-time and part-time students who take on-campus classes are also taking advantage of Peninsula College’s online offerings.

Per quarter, between 90 and 100 people on average enroll in online classes, Keegan said.

“The scholarship is intended to encourage people to take advantage of our online offerings,” he said.

Using online courses students can work toward an associate degree and credits earned can transfer to other programs in the state, said Maria Pe^pba, Peninsula College’s dean of student development.

“Online classes work better for some students than on-site classes,” Pe^pba said.