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As parents, you want to guide your student toward the right college experience. But should that journey happen online, in the classroom, or a mix of both?

At Cedarville University, we understand how important this decision is, and we’ve created a simple tool to help you start the conversation with your student.

Take a few minutes to work through these questions with your student! 

Question 1: How well does your student manage his or her time? 

A. My student manages his or her time well and can create a schedule and stick to it. 

B. My student tends to be go-with-the-flow and sometimes waits until the last minute to complete activities. 

Online learning works best for students with strong time management skills. It takes self-control and discipline but can be a great fit for self-motivated learners! 

In-person learning comes with thoughtful accountability from professors and classmates that can be helpful for students who need external motivation and structure. 

Question 2: How prepared is your student for college costs? 

A. My student may experience financial strain during their college years. 

B. My student is financially prepared to attend college. 

Online learning costs just $375 a credit hour* and is flexible enough so your student can work alongside their studies to cover college costs. 

In-person learning expenses include room and board, commuting costs (if applicable), and traveling expenses on top of tuition but also include access to campus life and amenities. Residential undergraduate students at Cedarville also enjoy generous scholarship options to help them cover costs. 

*Full-time online undergraduate tuition rate as of August 2025.

Question 3: How does your student feel about being away from home? 

A. My student has family, church, or community responsibilities that make it important for him or her to stay close to home. 

B. My student is looking forward to joining a new community and exploring new ministry opportunities while at school. 

Online learning allows students with family or ministry responsibilities to get their degree while staying plugged in wherever Lord has called them now. 

In-person learning enables students to join a thriving community of Christian students, faculty, and staff on Cedarville’s campus. 

Question 4: If your student doesn't know which major they will choose, what kind of support would they prefer? 

A. A personalized general education curriculum and online career counseling. 

B. In-person career exploration events and academic advising. 

Online learning is a great option for students who are still exploring their major. With Cedarville University’s , students can attend online classes, taking their general education courses while receiving career counseling to help them decide their major. 

In-person learning provides support for undeclared students through one-on-one academic advising and career assessment tools through Cedarville's Career Services. �㽶ֱ��student also has easier access to students, professors, and classes in different disciplines so they can “sample” what their majors of interest might look like. 

Question 5: What type of learning does your student prefer? 

A. My student prefers learning materials by watching videos and participating in online discussions. 

B. My student prefers learning new material in a hands-on environment. 

Online learning relies on video lectures and discussion boards so students can learn at their own pace, providing flexibility for work, ministry, and community involvement. 

In-person learning incorporates labs and hands-on activities in addition to the reading and lectures. Classroom-based learning also allows for more collaboration with fellow students in your student’s area of study.    

Question 6: What is your student’s approach to learning new material? 

A. My student prefers to concentrate on a few subjects at a time, allowing them to dive deeply into the material.  

B. My student prefers to study a variety of subjects at once over a longer period of time. 

Online learning at Cedarville University has six start dates throughout the year. Most courses last for eight weeks, perfect for students who want to concentrate on fewer subjects in a fast-paced environment.  

In-person learning spreads multiple subjects across the 16-week semester. This is ideal for students who prefer studying multiple subjects over an extended period of time. 

Which Is Right for �㽶ֱ��Student? 

Now, tally your answers.  

If you got mostly As, your student may enjoy earning their degree online. 

If you got mostly Bs, then your student would likely lean toward earning their degree in-person. 

Choosing between online or in-person college is an important decision. We encourage you and your student to carefully consider the options and seek God’s guidance through prayer every step of the way. 

Cedarville University is ready to support you and your student no matter which method of learning your student chooses. We hope this questionnaire helps with your discussion and thought process! 

Looking for more information? Explore Cedarville University’s online programs to see flexible options that fit your student’s schedule. Or discover our wide range of undergraduate and graduate academic programs offered on campus.