Are Online Classes More Expensive?
Horace Mann was born in 1796 and is credited with credited with developing the concept of a "school." According to Encyclopedia Britannica, he envisioned a system of education in which students showed up at a building, studied a standard curriculum, and learned in an organized manner.
It's probably safe to say he never imagined that online classes would one day be available to students.
Enrollment in online classes is soaring, according to U.S. News & World Report. And there are a lot of reasons for their popularity. They provide greater levels of scheduling flexibility. Students have a greater opportunity to work through the curriculum at their own pace. It's more convenient. And it could actually save you money.
Earning your degree is an investment in your future, and it can come with a hefty price tag that includes student loan debt, on-campus housing, living expenses, textbooks and other supplies. But it doesn't have to--especially if you join the masses that are saving money by taking online classes.
Here's a look at three ways it can save you money:
Scheduling flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of taking an online class is your ability to manage your own schedule.
Because the lectures, assignments, and tests are available online, you can decide when you're going to log on to complete the required coursework. This means you have more flexibility in your schedule.
You could decide to work during the day and do your studying in the evening. If you have children, it could mean that you don't have to hire someone to watch them while you're in class. When you have control over your schedule, you have more control over your living expenses.
Room and board
Living on campus can be incredibly expensive. The same is true for renting an apartment near campus. Commuting can also cost a lot of money, especially if there's a spike in gas prices.
And those on-campus cafeteria meal plans? They can be pricy, too.
When you take online classes, you won't be required to travel to classes for lectures, classes, quizzes, or exams. You'll also be able to prepare your own meals, which typically tends to be a lot less expensive than eating out or dining in a cafeteria.
You'll be able to complete courses from anywhere there's internet access. This can save you a lot of money on room and board--especially over the course of four years.
Hidden costs of college
There are a lot of well-known expenses associated with earning your degree, including tuition, textbooks, and fees. But there are also a lot of hidden costs that can really add up over the course of your college career.
They could include on-campus parking (which can be incredibly expensive), printing out assignments, book bags, notebooks, and even those impulse buys at the school store or coffee shop.
It may not sound like much, but even a few dollars a day for a gourmet cup of coffee can quickly cause your bottom line to take a beating. And if you're not walking by the coffee shop every day, you'll be less likely to make the impulse buy. Not having to pay for the hidden costs of college can really add up.
Make online classes work for you ... and your pocketbook
There is a reason the model of education developed by Horace Mann has lasted so long: It works. But there is also a lot of reasons that so many students are turning to online classes to earn their degrees. Chief among them is the money it saves them--now and in the future.
It affords you more scheduling flexibility, gives you more free time, allows you to work while you're in school, lets you live where it's more affordable, and insulates you from many of the hidden costs associated with college.
All of this can add up to a lot of savings.
Of course, to save the most money, you're going to want to have a solid plan in place. You're going to have to make sure you have the discipline it takes to keep up with your classes. You're going to have to make sure you have the computer, internet access, and other tools it takes to access all of the course materials. You're going to have to map out your courses to make sure they're available when you need them.
Are you interested in online education? If you want to learn more about taking classes in fields such as criminal justice, technology, business, or more, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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