How pricey are those virtual college classes you're taking?

Donald A. Borden made a pitch this week to students at four-year colleges stuck taking courses on the computer.

"I would encourage any student or parent of a student who is going to be going away to a four-year school but still taking their courses virtually...it might be a time to think about saving some money and going to community college," said Borden, president of Camden County College.

For students at private colleges or universities, annual tuition and fees can total $50,000 to $60,000. The cost of one class at pricier schools can be from $5,000 to $7,000.

A typical general education class — the ones taken in the early years and often transferrable — at Camden County runs about $500 total, Borden told 70and73.com.

Borden was a guest speaker at this week's COVID-19 Camden County briefing, mainly to discuss how the community college is preparing for fall students.

No matter where you attend, Borden urged, "we encourage students to continue with their education." However, if you're sitting in a dorm or at home taking virtual classes you could save money with general courses from Camden County that the four-year school says it will accept for transfer.

At the briefing, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. — the host of the county's sessions — listened to Borden then wondered aloud why a student would live in a dorm and eat in a cafeteria and take virtual classes. And, he added, if you're planning to attend college in Florida or Texas: "How do you go there?" The two states are among the current leaders in coronavirus outbreaks.

Borden suggested interested students contact Camden County College about enrolling. If there's an issue, he invited a prospective student to call his office.

As for the county college, "we will be bringing people back slowly," Borden said. Most courses will be online. "Our primary consideration in every regard is the health and safety of our students and staff," he said at the briefing.

However, some courses by their nature require in-person attendance and those will be offered on campus in the fall. Examples include biology and chemistry labs, dental hygienist training, automobile technology and robotics.

"If things change and the virus is diminished or eradicated, we're in a position to open up at the flip of a coin," Borden said.

» MORE: Watch the video of the June 30, 2020 county briefing.