This post is the third in a series about online learning. Please read Part 1 and Part 2
One argument that many advocates make in support of online learning is the cost. They argue that online learning, overall, is less expensive than traditional brick and mortar schools. In fact, that’s usually one of the biggest selling points (save thousands of dollars while studying in your pajamas!). While that may be true, online learning is still not cheap. There are variable expenses attached to online classes that are not discussed in commercials and pamphlets.
Let’s look at some of those expenses:
- Tuition—typically, you’re not going to catch a break here. A class costs what a class costs. The cost per credit hour, in my experience, does not change if the class is on campus or online. However, what may change are the associated fees. Oftentimes, schools have a matriculation fee or a student center fee or a health center fee; these may be waived if the class is being taken online.
- Commuting—clearly, online classes come out ahead on this. If you are taking a class online, you typically don’t have to drive or commute anywhere to attend class. There’s no bus fare, no parking permit, no meters to feed if you’re attending class from your couch. Even if you have to drive or take the bus to the closest Starbucks to access the internet, you’re still saving money. If you have limited mobility due to no car or a lack of public transportation or a physical limitation, then online learning is definitely a great choice.
- Internet—while it is common in a majority of households, high speed internet is still cost prohibitive for a lot of people. Additionally, if you’re in a rural area, high speed internet still may not be available. In order to keep up with the classes and access much of the information provided, high speed internet is pretty much a necessity. You need to make sure that your budget can handle the cost and if it can’t, are there ways for you to get somewhere that has high speed internet (library, coffee house, etc)?
- Software—this one is a little tricky. For both traditional classes and online classes, you are going to need some sort of word processing software. However, in a traditional environment, you may have more leeway in what you use. Where I teach, students are required to have Microsoft Office. The school offers it at a deep discount but it’s still not cheap. In fact, based on the information my students have shared, it might be more than some of them can afford. If you’re planning on taking a class online, make sure you have all of the necessary software or that you can get it at a price that won’t break your bank.
- Proper equipment–In addition to making sure you have the appropriate software, you are going to need to make sure that your computer can handle the requirements of the class. For instance, where I teach, there are videos that the students are required to watch. You need to make sure that your computer is updated enough where you can access all of the materials. Can your computer handle Adobe updates and other types of updates? If not, you will probably need to buy a new computer which can be quite pricey. However, if you or a friend is computer savvy, you might be able to upgrade your current computer for little cost.
I will concur that these costs pale in comparison to finding child care if you need to attend a traditional class. And I will concur that online classes do make a lot of financial sense for a many people. But anyone who is deciding whether or not to attend a class online needs to consider all of the financial pieces, not just a select few.
If you’ve taken online classes, what expenses surprised you?
Related posts:
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am currently doing online classes and what has surprised me is not the expenses but the need for self motivation. It is really hard to sit down and study when no one is telling you too. Plus as you get older, you get busier and it gets harder and harder to find time for stuff like this.
I only have 5 courses left and I am determined to finish. It just might take me longer than I initially planned.
The only online courses I have taken are really just the CBT ones and they did not have any inter-student or teacher interactions. I imagine a class where you can see, hear and talk to the other students over the internet would be much more interesting.
I’ve never taken an online course, so have no idea what it would be like. I can imagine pros and cons to it though; the biggest pro being that you could do it from wherever.
When I turned 40, I graduated from a local community college with a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree. While at Community College, I completed my AA also. In the back of my mind, I knew I was going back to school to get my bachelor’s degree. But work kept me busy, too busy to go back to a traditional setting. I researched online degrees at UCF and found a degree that would compliment my career and allow me to move forward.
Completing the degree took about 5 years, but I did it! Online classes provided me the flexibility I needed to obtain this goal. I would do it again in a minute!
I got my undergrad and masters degrees in traditional, on-campus settings. At that time in my life, it made sense. I can see how online learning can be beneficial for others in different life situations. Really though, I’m surprised that the costs are similar. I had thought that online might be cheaper, but clearly that might not be the case. We learn something new every day, thanks for sharing!
{ 1 trackback }