The utility of online methods of data collection has led to the rapid adoption of Internet-based surveys for social sciences research. Given the potential problems of noncoverage and nonresponse when making use of this data collection method, the present study aimed to investigate differences between an online and a paper-based sample drawn from the same population and under the same conditions. The sample was composed of 597 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of the Witwatersrand in the 2010 academic year, the majority of whom (75.2%) chose to complete the paper-based version of the questionnaire. Results indicate that Internet access differs for both racial and socioeconomic groups in the sample but that demographic factors continue to affect the choice to complete online even after Internet access has been accounted for. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Black African respondents were less likely to complete online than other race groups while older respondents, those who spend more time online per day, those with higher levels of maternal education, those with lower levels of paternal education as well as female respondents were more likely to make use of the online completion option. Implications and alternatives to online data collection are discussed.