The answer is, it depends.
Tuition
Studies show tuition and fees are the most significant decision-making factor for students choosing colleges. U.S. News finds that online programs can be more expensive– $277 per credit versus $243 per credit at traditional schools. However, they also find that private schools charge less per credit for online programs than traditional ones. Out-of-state students can also save with online degrees.
Other research shows that colleges that offer both online and traditional courses have the same tuition fees. In fact, in a survey involving 400 universities, 60% charged the same tuition for face-to-face courses as they charged for online courses. 36% of the schools charged more for online tuition.
Colleges that are online-only, however, tend to be less expensive than traditional schools. It’s important to do your research with every school you look into.
Traditional Schools
Additional Costs
If you run into a traditional degree program with a lower tuition than an online school, don’t be hasty. There are still many additional costs related to traditional schools.
Dorms
Reports show that students can expect to pay an average of $8,887 for a dorm. That price goes up to $10,089 if you’re attending a private school.
Meal Plans
Meal plans vary from college to college. The average cost is around $1,600 a semester. Arizona State University, for example, has meal plans that vary from $89 a month for 10 meals to $2,865 a semester for an unlimited plan.
Commute
Students attempting to save money by forgoing dorms and meal plans need to consider commuting costs. The average cost of community college commuters, for instance, is $588 annually.
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