What Does Online College Cost and How Does It Compare to the Expense of a Traditional College?
The number one question asked by most potential students is, “What does online college cost?” The cost is not the same as its value or worth and this is a vital point to cover.
Over the past twenty years, online learning has drastically improved. The number of students choosing online courses has increased significantly. Online college is now a viable option for students seeking to earn a degree.
Flexibility and convenience are two well-known benefits of this alternative college path. Perhaps, a lesser-known benefit is that online college is less expensive than on-campus colleges.
What is the average cost of an online college? How does this differ from the cost of traditional, brick-and-mortar colleges?
Let’s Take A Closer Look at the Two
By looking closely at the most common expenses associated with online and traditional colleges, students can decide which of the two paths makes the most sense for them financially.
Recently, a study reported that two of the more critical factors in deciding upon a school were tuition and fees. Nearly half of the students chose the least costly college.
Tuition and fees for online classes can cost considerably less than those at traditional institutions. Because online students can attend class from home, they also avoid the expense of room and board that is part of living on campus.
Students not living on campus also avoid the expense of transportation required to attend traditional classes. Furthermore, some online colleges allow out of state students to take advantage of in-state tuition costs for universities.
Don’t Be Overwhelmed
Some students become overwhelmed when they first think about how much college costs and wonder how they will pay for it. The fact is that going to college might be more affordable than you might think.
Take some time to learn how much online college costs. With facts in hand, you will be better able to make the best educational and career choices for you.
Comparison of Costs
Expenses vary from one school to another, so it is necessary to do a budget analysis. This analysis involves listing all of the costs associated with earning a specific degree.
Once you compare the costs and fees associated with both a traditional school and an online program, you can decide which path is best for you financially.
An Important Caveat
It should be remembered, however, that all students need to pay for room and board regardless of where they choose to study. Yet, online students usually have more budget-friendly options from which to choose.
Many continue living in their current home. This is especially true for married students and those with jobs and families.
Online college courses can be scheduled to fit the needs of your family.
A Comparison of On-Campus versus Online Fees and Expenses
Is it less expensive to attend college online? Regardless of where you decide to attend school, most students must pay tuition and fees. Scrutinize all fees as, while some are optional, many are required.
However, online college tuition and fees tend to be less because they have lower operating expenses. As with everything else in life (where individual circumstances vary), Online Degree expenses will differ as well.
In general, there are fewer personal expenses for online students as compared to those attending on campus. As a rule, everything in an online university cost packet is included. For example, some online colleges provide a laptop computer, as well.
Tuition
Tuition costs will vary among online institutions. However, they typically do not cost as much as do traditional, on-campus schools. Online schools are more likely to offer several options for making tuition payments.
Some online colleges offer a tiered tuition option. This option decreases the cost per-credit if a student enrolls in more credit hours. Such a financial incentive allows students to graduate sooner than if they took only one class at a time.
Technology Fees
Technology fees are typical for online schools and can be charged on either a per-term or per-credit-hour basis. The fee usually covers 24/7 tech support, online learning management systems, and improvement in technology.
As with tuition, some schools offer a tiered rate for technology fees. Again, the more classes the student takes, the less they pay for each one.
Additional Fees
Most, if not all, online colleges charge other fees as well. Some examples of these additional fees are
- for graduation
- official transcripts.
- assessment for course-level placement
Internship Associated Fees
If there is an internship included in the program, travel expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Of course, any other internship associated costs would fall to the student as well.
Other Fees To Be Considered When Asking How What Does Online College Cost
Auto and Computer Expenses
Although online students will not have to be concerned with paying for parking or fuel, they must have access to a reliable and high-speed internet connection.
In Comparison With On-Campus Expenses:
Registration and Tuition Fees
Tuition is the amount of money that a student pays to register and to attend classes. The tuition is typically calculated on a per-credit basis. So, the number of credit hours that a student takes will determine the amount they will have to pay.
It can vary from one term to the next. Usually, an in-state student will pay less for tuition than will an out-of-state student. This is the case at public universities, but not for private schools.
The Frequently Forgotten Fees
Most traditional colleges typically include fees as part of the total tuition. Therefore, most students do not realize that traditional, on-campus programs frequently charge more fees than online programs.
These hidden fees can include:
- Student legal services
- Athletics
- Campus security
- Student Health
- Technology
- Campus Recreation
- Student Health
- Student organizations
Room and Board
This fee typically covers the cost of housing and meal plans for on-campus students. Online students must pay for housing and their meals outside of tuition.
So, all students must include these expenses in their allotted budget. If they are living at home, there will be no additional expense for housing.
Students residing on campus have to purchase a meal plan. Online students are not required to have a meal plan. They can spend more or less on food. Everyone has to eat, but online students have more control over the cost of their food.
Even online college students have to eat but it can cost less to eat at home than on campus.
The average four-year student attending a public college, per the College Board, spends approximately $1,100 per term on books and other course materials. Therefore, this expense comes to about $8,800 to complete a typical bachelor’s degree program.
The cost of online college is usually less than on campus college.
Transportation
Some campus colleges include the purchase of a local bus pass in their tuition fees. For instance, College Pass is an annual, college-sponsored pass that permits unlimited bus and light rail rides for a minimal fee.
Students need to decide how they will get to and from campus if there is no college-sponsored transportation option. They must also calculate the cost and include it in their budget.
Personal Expenses
Students should consider nonacademic costs as personal expenses. Examples of such are: Usually, the
- Cell phone expenses
- Laundry
- Takeout food
- Clothing
- Entertainment
A Quick Look at Online Versus On-Campus Costs
The best way to compare online versus on-campus college costs is to look at the numbers next to one another. Many of the costs for which the student is responsible will be the same. Personal expenses and books and supplies should be about the same for both online and campus-based students.
Usually, tuition, registration associated fees, lodging, and food make up the largest difference in college expenses between online and campus-based colleges. Generally, tuition and fees are higher for on-campus schools.
Financial Aid Options for Online Colleges, in General
Online students should only consider accredited schools. Students have many financial aid opportunities at accredited schools.
Accreditation means that the school, online or campus-based, meets specific and clearly defined quality standards. A recognized accrediting agency determines these standards.
Financial options will likely include the following
Federal aid, for which the student must complete a FAFSA *Federal Application for Student Aid) to see if they qualify and for how much. Both loans and grants may be options for any specific student, based on the FAFSA. Some of these are:
- Perkins Loans
- Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized Loans
- Parent PLUS Loans
- Some states have their own loan programs, so be sure to check their website to look for these loans.
Scholarships
Companies, nonprofits, and other organizations typically award several billion dollars each year in college scholarships. Requirements and criteria vary, so students need to investigate as many scholarship options as possible.
A few examples of these opportunities are:
- Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
- Financial Aid for Women
- Debt-Free College Degree
- Financial Aid for Minorities
- Financial Aid for Hispanic Students
- ROTC to Pay for College
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Institutional aid
Both on-campus and online colleges offer financial aid to their students. Each school awards funding based on specific criteria. Most schools offer work-study opportunities as well.
For more in-depth information on financial aid, go to Financial Aid for Online Colleges. They provide details as to what types of financial aid are available as well as how to apply for each one.
The Most Cost-Efficient Schools
Because of endowment funds available, schools that offer both on-campus and online degrees are usually more cost-efficient. Too many students are unaware of their existence. Therefore, some funds are not awarded in any given year.
Research pays off. It is the most effective when done early on. Most libraries have several books dedicated to this type of information. Starting this research as a Junior in High School is not too soon!
What Does Online College Cost and How Does It Compare to the Expense of a Traditional College?
I hope we answered this question to your satisfaction. But, each student should examine the two options in detail to see which would fit their needs the best.
Money is an important consideration. However, it is not the only factor to be considered. Flexibility, location, and other responsibilities must be taken into account as well.
Here is another article dealing with the cost of online college. https://onlinecollegelife.info/why-choose-a-fast-affordable-online-degree/
As always when considering an important decision, you should look at both the pros and cons. https://onlinecollegelife.info/pros-and-cons-for-earning-an-online-degree/
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