In order to keep costs low, the university used a novel "home college" concept. Classes were originally held in homes and businesses of those in the area, with the Lawsons' home being the first classroom. Running classes out of homes in the area also reduced the time to commute to and from class, further making it easier for working students to attend classes. To further ease the burden on the non-traditional student body, tuition was kept as low as possible and was billed at a monthly rate, rather than charged per semester.
