Prices for tuition vary greatly by institution, degree or program, and level of academic achievement. Fee structures are also different for every college and for every program. Nearly every institution will have program-specific fees and tuition rates.
In this article, we’ll answer the question, how much do online colleges cost and every other thing you need to know about online schooling. Carefully read through!
How Much Do Online Colleges Cost?
Interestingly, online college actually cost less than a lot of traditional campus programs. Online degrees at public colleges for typical 4-year courses cost an average of $10,776 less than on-campus degrees, according to EducationData.org.
EducationData.org also reports that students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree pay an average of $51,091 tuition fee. The report also confirms that the most affordable online school programs were hosted by the public, in-state schools. Students enrolled in these precious online colleges spend an average of $38,496 on their bachelor’s degrees. Out-of-state learners or international students spend $54,183 on average.
Factors That Influence Cost Of Online Colleges
Online schooling expenses include more than the tuition cost. Below are some factors that influence the cost of an online degree:
1. Tuition
Everyone should know that public schools cost less in tuition fees than private colleges. The same goes with online degree programs from public vs private schools. According to CollegeBoard, students attending public colleges for a typical 4-year program spend an average of $9,410 on tuition and fees compared to an average of $32,410 spent by students at private 4-year colleges.
2. Books and Course Material
Online learners will require books and course materials but first, they must buy a laptop if they don’t have one already. If you own a laptop prior to enrollment into an online college degree program, you may need to purchase a data subscription for uninterrupted internet access during each week of learning for 4yrs. Students should also budget for books. You can save money by renting textbooks or downloading digital versions (PDF) of your required textbook online.
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3. Technology Fees
Some programs charge online learners a technology fee which is used for developing and maintaining virtual classroom platforms or online research databases. Some colleges simply add this fee into the tuition fee while a few colleges may not charge any technology fee.
4. Other Fees
When researching online colleges and comparing the costs of their online degree programs, students should factor in various fees. For example, some schools charge orientation and graduation fees. Most schools also charge for official transcript copies and ID card replacements.
How Do Online Classes Work?
Online classes usually follow one of two formats:
1. Synchronous Classes
Synchronous classes are characterized by set times for virtual meetings with the tutors and fellow students. Learners are required to log on for their live stream lectures. Synchronous online classes usually take attendance which often counts for course points. Online enrollees who prefer some level of accountability might prefer synchronous classes.
2. Asynchronous Classes
Asynchronous classes feature pre-recorded classes wherein students can log on to watch at their own leisure. It allows students to complete coursework at their convenience but students must still meet deadlines. Asynchronous online classes are getting more common these days because it’s more convenient for both content creators and students.
The teacher will only need to produce his or her lecture once and it can be reused or replayed. And the benefit to the student is more flexibility and the chance to learn at your own pace. In both formats, students are privileged to participate in discussion boards with the tutor and other fellows.
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The Cost of Online Education vs. In-Person Education
As earlier mentioned, online degrees at public colleges for typical 4-year courses cost an average of $10,776 less than on-campus degrees, according to EducationData.org. While the average cost of a college degree may seem cheaper than traditional education, it can still be challenging for some students especially those from financially disadvantaged homes.
You can also conduct a little research to find an affordable online schooling option that is within your budget. There are even financial aid programs for students who seek online education. These are meant to help financially struggling students meet their academic needs whether they ultimately choose to pursue an affordable online college or traditional on-campus education.
If you are eligible for financial aid, contact the financial aid offices of the schools you want to enroll in. They should learn more about their eligibility for government aid and average aid packages that will support tuition costs. A diligent student will have to sit down and evaluate how much (in dollar amounts) they would pay per semester. He should also compare their analogy with other selected institutions and take the best pick.
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10 Affordable Online Colleges for In-State Students
Below is a list of the 10 most affordable online bachelor’s programs for the 2021-2022 school year. The list below was created and numerically ranked by U.S. News with the use of their dataset results and certain criteria. We shall concentrate on the in-state per credit cost, and in-state total cost plus how many credits are needed to graduate.
1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
This is one of the most affordable colleges for online postgraduate MD or Master’s, charging only $63 as the price per credit unit for learners. Being that their typical oncology MD degree program has 120 credits to complete before graduation and certification, the total cost for the whole 2-3 years will cost (120 x $63) $7,560.
You can click here to learn more about the university’s online programs and their exact costs.
2. Western Carolina University
This public higher institution offers online degrees to distant learners at an affordable cost. You can check their list of 100% online and hybrid courses here. However, the in-state per credit cost is $66 which means a typical 4-year degree program with 120 credits, will cost $7,920 in total.
While this is the average estimate, you can learn more about eligibility, admission process, and costs here.
3. Daytona State College, FL
Daytona State College located in the state of Florida offers more than 100 associate and bachelor’s online degrees. The cost of earning these degrees is more affordable compared to the traditional on-campus classes. In-state total cost for a 100% online program is about $11,040 (i.e $92 per credit for 120ects).
Click here to learn more.
4. University of Florida
Being a public university, it is usually expected that the tuition cost less than a private university. And that’s what the University of Florida is here to prove. You need to complete around 120 credits to graduate from this school just like the other schools on this list. Thus, with a $112 cost per credit unit, you will pay about $13,440 in tuition fees.
Click here to learn more about their online degree programs.
5. Middle Georgia State University
MiddleGeorgia State University is a fully accredited school that awards associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees to American students. They have an online program for specific degree programs and most cost $113 per credit wherein a 120ects program will cost you $13,560 in total as tuition fees.
Interestingly, online schooling programs are appropriately referred to as “online campuses”.
6. St Petersburg College, FL
Saint Petersburg College shortened as SPC is one of the top affordable online schools. The on-campus, in-person undergraduate, and postgraduate are fun to enroll in but so are the online programs.
Most online school degrees cost $123 per credit therefore, a 120ects program will cost you $14,760 in total as tuition fees.
You can check their website here to learn more about the flexible 100% online education options available for you.
7. Pensacola State College
Pensacola State College located in the state of Florida offers more than 100 associate and bachelor’s online degrees. The cost of earning these degrees is more affordable compared to the traditional on-campus classes. In-state total cost for a 100% online program is about $15,720 (i.e $131 per credit for 120ects).
VISIT SCHOOL to learn more.
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8. Florida International University
Florida International University located in Maimi offers a lot of bachelor’s online degrees and other advanced degrees as well. some of the courses they offer include Finance, BA in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and some MSc degree programs. The cost of earning these degrees is more affordable compared to the traditional on-campus classes. In-state total cost for a 100% online program is about $17,640 (i.e $147 per credit for 120ects). Click here to learn more.
9. University of North Carolina, Charlotte
They offer more than 350 online degrees and certificate programs. You need to complete around 120 credits to graduate from this school just like the other schools on this list. Thus, with a $159 cost per credit unit, you will pay about $19,080 in tuition fees.
10. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a fully accredited school that awards associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees to American students. They have an online program for specific degree programs and most cost $160 per credit wherein a 120ects program will cost you $19,200 in total as tuition fees.
You can check their website to learn more about the range of online degree courses they offer.
FAQs On Online Schooling
Classes that do not require labs or in-person components work well in a virtual format. However, some programs require in-person experiences. For example, aspiring teachers and nurses must complete teaching and clinical experiences.
Flexibility, convenience, and relatively lower costs than traditional education are the foremost advantages of an online college education.
Prices of online colleges vary greatly by institution, degree or program, and level of academic achievement.
Conclusion
Online schooling is gradually rising across the board with about 33% of college students taking at least one course online, according to a survey by the Babson Survey Research Group. College tuition, therefore, is also rising in many institutions that offer online graduate and undergraduate programs. And so it makes sense that prospective students start to compare the cost of online education with traditional education.
The big question as to which is less expensive than the other is a subject of contention among students, their parents, and the higher institution. As you have read, online schooling is considerably cheaper than the traditional schooling system from a tuition cost standpoint.
References
- online.champlain.edu – The Cost of Online Education vs. Traditional Education
- affordablecollegesonline.org – How Much Does Online College Cost?
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