Tutoring vs Classes

I want to learn American Sign Language. As a kid I grew up know some Deaf people and am attracted to the culture. It is also very relevant to my current job and my work will pay for me to learn (both my time and expenses).

I spent last semester taking classes at the local community college and while I learned the expected amount of ASL, I also learned I don't like going to classes. It feels like a good portion (>50%) is a waste of time. I'm conversing with other hearing students who don't know the language either; some things I already know and it's a review, other things I don't understand and don't get because the lesson moves on.

I think I should find an ASL tutor. But there's a part of me that's holding back. Partly because it's something I've never done. I've never had a tutor. Also, it feels, bizarrely, like cheating. And I don't know where to start, how to negotiate schedules and rates. Taking a class is nice in that it eliminates any of that messy negotiating.

So, I'm looking for perspectives from people who have used or provided tutoring on two things: the benefits of tutoring over traditional classroom instruction, and how to find and negotiate with a tutor.

Thanks!