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Frequently Asked Questions

Do many older students attend OBI?
Yes. More and more people have to re-enter the work force or change jobs and find that they need training to do so. About half of our students are recent high school graduates, while the others have been out of school for several years.

What type of schedule does a student have?
Day classes are in session from 8:30a until 2:30p Monday through Thursday. Your classes would be scheduled within those times, with some open periods and a 40-minute lunch break. Most evening classes are held from 6:00p - 9:00p Monday through Thursday.

Can I take just one or two courses?
Yes, the tuition for part-time students (under 12 credit hours) enrolled in a diploma or degree program is $460 per credit hour. Students auditing a course (non-credit) will be charged $460 per class. Jump Start students are charged $150 per class. All students also must pay for books and additional fees associated with their courses.

Can I change my program of study after I start?
Yes. Students may begin a diploma program and transfer their credits to the related degree program at any time with no loss of time or credit. A complete change of program can be made at any time although this may extend the time to graduation.

When can I start?
A student may begin his/her program of study in any semester. Semesters start in January, May, and December.

Do I need a background in business courses to attend OBI?
No.

Is OBI an accredited college?
Yes. OBI is empowered by the New York State Education Department to confer the Associate Degree in its two-year programs. OBI is also fully accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

Does OBI offer job placement assistance?
Definitely! Everything we do at OBI is geared for one purpose: to help our students gain successful careers in the business world. As a matter of ethics, no educational institution can absolutely guarantee placement or starting salaries for its graduates. Nevertheless, OBI assures each graduate full cooperation and assistance in securing a position for which the graduate is best qualified. Our free job placement service includes resume printing, maintaining contact with area employers, and our Mock Job Interview Program (part of the Professionalism course).

Lifetime job placement assistance is available. An alumnus can submit an updated resume to the Placement Office and take advantage of the many placement services provided to graduates.

When can I visit OBI?
Anytime--even weekends or evenings. Just give us a call to set up a convenient appointment. You can tour the college and meet with our Admissions Director and Financial Aid Director.

Does OBI have an internship program?
Yes. All of the Associate Degree programs at OBI include a working internship as part of the degree requirements. The goal of the internship program is to allow the students to obtain the practical experience so beneficial in today’s job market.

Do I need previous training or experience with computers?
No. The curriculum at OBI is designed to train our students in all aspects of their programs without any previous knowledge of business or computers necessary.

Do you have tutoring available?
Absolutely! We offer free tutoring to our students.

Does OBI have a dress code?
Students may wear casual clothing any day with some exceptions.

What are the requirements for admissions?
A student must have a high school diploma or a GED to be considered for admission to OBI. A personal interview is not required but is highly recommended.

Would I have to take an entrance exam?
Although there is no entrance exam, once accepted you are assessed on your skill level in math. The results of this assessment assures that you are placed in the appropriate course.

I have been out of school for many years. I want to pursue my degree, but I am very nervous. Do you have services to help students in my situation?
Returning to school after several years can be challenging. OBI offers excellent support to all students. Free tutoring is available. Class sizes are very small therefore it is possible to receive more individualized instruction.

What salary can I expect to earn once I graduate?
Salaries vary depending on programs, geographic location, and skill. As a matter of ethics, no educational institution can absolutely guarantee placement or starting salaries for its graduates. Statistics are available by contacting our Placement Office.

How do I enroll in one of the programs at OBI?
Simply request an application form. Submit your application along with the $25 application fee. Request a copy of your high school transcript or GED scores to be forwarded to OBI for processing. We will notify you by mail of your acceptance.

I'm from Pennsylvania. Will you double my tuition like other out-of-state schools do?
No. Because OBI is a private college, we are able to charge all students the same tuition.

Do you accept transfer credits from other colleges?
Yes, we accept transfer credits as appropriate to your program of study from other accredited institutions of higher education.

Are there special programs for high school students? What is Jump Start?
Jump Start is a program designed to provide an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors to entroll in college level courses prior to the completion of their high school educations. College credit is granted upon successful completion of each course. This credit also may be used to satisfy high school course requirements--check with your high school's guidance office. For more information, please contact us.

Do you offer online courses?
No, OBI does not offer any fully online courses. However, we do offer many blended courses where part of the course is offered in a classroom and the rest of the course is facilitated through an online learning platform.

Want to know more? Contact us!

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Last update: 06/03/09