Starting this summer, students taking classes online and off campus through the ISU distance education program could be paying more.

Students taking a full-time load of classes with courses offered through the continuing education and distance education program will incur additional tuition charges, said a distance education official.

Kristine Phelps, program coordinator for continuing education and communication services, said Iowa State offers 45 percent of its courses online, but students who are taking more than 12 credit hours and have online or off-campus classes in their schedules will want to check their bills.

“It could cost them more,” Phelps said.

Students who are taking less than the 12-hour full-time load will not be assessed additional fees, but will pay the regular credit hour fee.

According to the continuing education services and communications Web site, students taking nine credit hours on campus and three credit hours off campus will have to pay $1 more with the increased fees. Students taking 12 credit hours on campus and three credit hours off campus will pay $636 more.

Phelps said the difference between the nine-hour fee and the 12-hour fee stems from a student’s full-time status for on-campus courses.

The price increase will help offset the cost of developing online courses.

The money will go back to the individual colleges to help with the cost, she said.

Not all online classes offered by Iowa State will cost students more, she said, only the ones offered through distance education.

Distance education classes are identified by the letter ‘x’ in the section number.

Many of the distance education courses were closed to on-campus students, but they will now be open to those who are willing to pay the extra cost, she said.

Amanda Rubin, sophomore in psychology, said she would be willing to pay the extra tuition for the classes, especially the ones offered online.

“I would much rather pay for it, especially since it is offered through Iowa State,” Rubin said. “It’s just easier to do it online.”

Classes that are offered off campus will also have sections available to students on campus.

Nicole Cressey, senior in animal science, said she would not be willing to pay the extra fee, especially if the classes are offered on campus.

“If it’s going to cost more and I am going to get a better education in the classroom, I’d go there,” Cressey said.