Hello Mark, funny, that is my husband's name. First, let me say how GREAT it is that your son wants to further his education. I am a teacher and have been for the past 16 years and I can't say if the online would be a bad thing, but attending college in the flesh would be a fantastic thing. Going to college and interacting with students and professors, face to face, and really getting an idea about what lies ahead for your son in the next level of his life. I would really try to convince your son to actually go to college. Why does he want to do it online? Is it because of work? or Does he want to finish fast(er)? One thing your son should know, from everyone that I have ever talked to about online classes, they all say that they are harder than attending the regular class. Perhaps you can take your son to the campus so that he can really see what college life is all about. If you don't have a campus near your home, getting in the car and driving with your son to a college campus can also give you and him a chance to really talk about how you both feel about the situation. Good Luck!!