Is Online College Cheaper?

Rising tuition costs are a significant barrier to entry for people thinking about going to college. The cost of tuition, books, fees, housing, supplies, and other expenses makes paying for school a challenge for most students, even with financial aid.

Online college has grown in popularity in recent years. It offers more flexibility than traditional in-person programs, and students turn to it to save money while pursuing a degree.

But is online college actually cheaper than going to school in person? While tuition rates are often comparable, online college may help you save money on transportation costs, housing, and fees. Here’s a closer look at how costs can differ between online and in-person programs.

How Much Does Online College Cost?

The cost of online college varies from one school to another, depending on factors such as tuition, fees, books, and other expenses.

Tuition for online college classes is often comparable to in-person courses, but there are other fees to consider. For example, some schools charge technology fees for online classes, which can cost upward of $200 per semester. Online students may also have to pay for textbooks and other materials, which can add up quickly.

According to EducationData.org, online degrees at public four-year colleges cost roughly $40,926 based on tuition. Private colleges, on the other hand, charge an average of $62,756 for online degrees.

Are Online College Classes Cheaper Than In-Person Classes?

In many cases, online college classes are cheaper than in-person classes. However, the savings tend to stem from the cost of attendance outside of tuition.

Here are a few of the most significant factors that account for the differences in cost between online and in-person degree programs.

Tuition

Based on the Education Data Initiative’s findings, the tuition cost of an online degree from a public university is about $40,926. When adding up the total cost for an undergraduate degree over four years, an online degree is around $30,545 cheaper, on average, than a traditional degree.

Private colleges tend to charge much less for online degrees than in-person alternatives. While the average cost of an online degree from a private school is $62,756, in-person degrees cost an average of $198,616.

It may also be possible to complete an online program more quickly than a traditional in-person degree, which can sometimes reduce the overall cost.

Fees

“Fees” is a broad term that includes almost every expense other than tuition, books, and room and board.

The fees you’re responsible for will depend on the college you attend and your specific program. These may include lab access fees, club fees, activities, fitness facilities, technology fees, and meals.

With online college, students can avoid many fees associated with on-campus living, like meal programs and fitness facility fees. However, online students may have to pay for technology fees and software that on-campus students don’t have to worry about.

Books and supplies

Many college classes require students to purchase books. Even online students may have to pay for access to online versions of textbooks. EducationData.org estimates that both online and in-person students can expect to pay about $1,220 per year for books and supplies.

Supplies include notebooks, backpacks, a computer for online coursework, writing tools, and anything else you need daily. This is another way that online students can save a bit of cash, as many can do without physical notebooks and writing supplies by only using their computers.

Other Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Online College

While tuition, fees, and books and supplies make up the bulk of college-related expenses for online students, there are a few other things that can impact your education costs.

State residency

State residency can affect the cost of tuition for online college classes. Some schools offer discounted tuition for online students who are residents of the state the school is located in, while students from other states have to pay nonresident tuition. Some colleges also charge a flat fee for all online students, regardless of residency status.

Living expenses

Living expenses impact education costs for both online and in-person students; however, online students have more options, making it easier to save money. Online degree options are usually cheaper because students don’t have to live on campus or pay transportation fees to commute back and forth.

If your school is located in a major city, enrolling in online classes allows you the flexibility to move to a surrounding area where rent may be more affordable. Meanwhile, on-campus students may have to rent an apartment in the city or pay for on-campus housing if they don’t already live near the school.

Transportation

Distance learners save big on transportation costs compared to on-campus students. According to EducationData.org, students who commute to college for on-campus classes pay  $1,360 per year for transportation, while online students’ transportation costs are nonexistent.

How to Apply for Financial Aid Online

If you need help paying for online college, the first thing to do is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting this application will determine your eligibility for federal aid through grants and loans. This application must be completed for each academic year you’ll be attending college.

Over $2 billion in federal student grants go unclaimed each academic year. By completing the FAFSA every year you plan to attend college, you can ensure you’re being considered for all federal financial aid opportunities.

Online students can also check their school’s website to find out about additional financial aid and scholarship opportunities for which they may be eligible.

Other cost savings opportunities include:

• Work-study jobs. While these may be more limited for online students, there are still some openings, especially for tech positions, such as working at the help desk.
• Employer tuition assistance. Some companies offer tuition assistance as part of their benefits package.
• Private student loans. Banks and other lenders offer private student loans that you can take out in addition to federal student loans, depending on your credit.
• Scholarships. Getting a scholarship is essentially being given free money, and you can never have too much of that. Talk to the financial aid office at your school to find out how to apply. National, local, and institution-specific scholarships are available.

Do Online Colleges Offer Scholarships?

Yes, online colleges offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships. This means that you may be eligible to receive aid by demonstrating financial need or meeting specific educational requirements based on your standardized test scores, GPA, enrollment status, program choice, and more.

To find out what scholarships your school offers, visit the financial aid section of your school’s website. You can also search for scholarships online using tools like the following:

• The U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool
• College Board’s scholarship search platform
• Your state grant agency

Local foundations and organizations also offer scholarships to students attending nearby universities and community colleges.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Online College?

If you’re still deciding whether online college is right for you, here are some pros and cons to consider before making your decision.

How to Choose an Online College

Online degree programs have been increasing in popularity, as more students are choosing to complete their educational goals through nontraditional programs. However, not all programs and institutions are created equal.

At a minimum, the program should be accredited. This is usually done by a regional accreditation body, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), or by a national organization, such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Having accreditation means that the college’s program has been reviewed and found to meet the proper standards. Looking for accreditation can help you avoid predatory institutions, also sometimes called degree mills, that may not actually provide you with a recognized degree when you graduate.

Other factors to consider are the college’s support services and the overall culture, especially that of the online programs. Some schools are very in-person-focused, which can leave online-only students feeling out of place and disconnected from the larger student body. However, others prioritize engaging online students by hosting online networking events, social clubs, and other opportunities.

Is Online College Worth It?

Whether online college is worth it depends on your personal goals. For example, if you’re seeking a high-quality education to further your career, accredited online schools offer the same great programs as traditional schools. Use this list of questions to help you decide if an online college program is right for you:

• Would you benefit from a flexible learning environment, such as asynchronous classes?
• Do you have time to study and prioritize learning the material around your other obligations?
• How long will it take to complete the program, and what will the total financial cost be?
• Does the program’s class offerings align with your career goals and/or personal interests?
• What support services and resources does the institution offer?
• How will earning this degree help you achieve your goals?
• Will you miss social interactions, networking opportunities, or other on-campus activities?

Earning a college degree is almost always worth it in the long run, but how you approach it can make a difference. If you’re unsure whether an online program is right for you or can afford it, talk to an admissions counselor at the school to discuss your options.

Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.