Cost Comparison - Online College Vs On-campus College
The advances in computer technology, coupled with increased internet access have significantly enhanced the learning process
. Gone are the days when people had to attend on-campus colleges in order to earn a degree. Currently, many colleges are offering online degree programs, which are available to all regardless of location. Online learning is also flexible, in that students can study at a pace that is most convenient for their lifestyles. This has made it very popular, such that enrollment in online programs is increasing faster than that of campus-based programs. However, even as the popularity of online learning continues to rise, there are misconceptions regarding the cost of earning online degrees. While some people believe that online learning is cheaper than campus-based learning, others believe that it is more expensive. Still, others think that there are no cost differences between online and on-campus programs. This article aims to dispel these misconceptions, as it compares the costs of online versus on-campus colleges.
To begin with, it is important to point out that different online colleges have different costs for their degree programs, just like on-campus colleges. The cost of online degree programs in most of the accredited online colleges is the same as that of the campus based programs. However, the tuition costs of most online colleges are generally higher than those of on-campus colleges for two main reasons. Firstly, they add a fee for technology services to the basic tuition, aimed at facilitating online learning. This enables students to access all the relevant course materials. Secondly, online colleges also cost more due to the special costs of developing the course material for online programs. These costs do not apply in campus-based programs. Just like the costs of degree programs, even tuition costs vary across online colleges, thus one should compare the prices of various colleges.
The costs incurred by online and on-campus students are also different, since their learning settings are so different. One of the differences in costs incurred by online and on-campus students pertains to accommodation and transportation. Students enrolled in online degree programs save on practical expenses such as transportation to and from campus. They also save on campus accommodation fees, in addition to any other fees that are campus-specific. However, online students also incur costs that do not apply to on-campus students. Online programs require a person to have a computer, reliable internet service and any software that may be required for the program. On-campus learning does not have these requirements, since the students interact with their instructors face to face. The online programs also require a person to buy text books, which on-campus students may not need to buy. This is because on-campus students can access such books from the college library.
It is clear from the article that the cost of online programs varies from on-campus programs in various ways. Further, these costs also differ from one college to another, whether online or on-campus. Based on these considerations, a person needs to evaluate the costs of both online and on-campus programs, to determine which is more economical. Either way, it is important to ensure that the college chosen is accredited, since degrees from such institutions are widely recognized.
by: John Whitman
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