College Planning Tips – The Colleges of the Future and Their Costs Compared to Traditional Campuses
There are several college planning tips in circulation. In a world that is exceptionally competitive, the education that is obtained by going to college is considered to be invaluable. Based on data derived from the Census Bureau in the United States, the annual earnings of an individual with a Bachelor’s degree is 60% higher than those earned by an individual that has only graduated from high school. Unfortunately, the costs associated with college are so immense that, since the onset of the 1980s, educational rates have been found to be increasing at such a rapid speed that it is even faster than the average rate associated with inflation. This information was pulled from data that is part of the Consumer Price Index. If those costs continue to rise just 5% on an annual basis, it has been determined that the average college tuition for a four year university could exceed $210,000.00 easily by the year of 2017. As a result of this fact, many are starting to turn to the colleges of the future – online colleges. In this guide, you will be introduced to a few college planning tips that relate to online colleges, their costs, and how those costs compare to traditional brick and mortar college costs.
What is an Online College?
An online college is a school that offers students the ability to engage in learning through classes that are offered through telecommunication venues and technology that harnesses the power of the World Wide Web. Many of today’s community colleges and universities offer classes and other learning materials through the internet so that students are no longer restricted to the confines of a classroom, a pre-determined schedule, and the hefty costs associated with attending a traditional brick and mortar campus. If you want to reduce the amount of time it takes to get through college, would like to receive a college degree during periods of time that are convenient to you and meet the demands of your schedule, would like to attend college without having to travel long distances, and would like to reduce the financial constraints associated with the traditional campus, the online college is likely an ideal option for your unique needs and desires.
The Average Costs Associated with Online Colleges
If you are searching for college planning tips, it is quite likely that a large reason for your search is that you are trying to determine how much your postsecondary education will cost so that you understand how much will need to be saved or acquired to attend school. The sticker cost of a college education typically varies from one school to another. Additionally, financial aid that is offered by the government and private-based donors may also have an impact on the costs. When reviewing online colleges, it was established that there is a large fluctuation in averages. While one year of school may be $6,000.00, another school may offer a year of tuition for $23,000.00. Compared to traditional schools, which could charge anywhere between $20,000.00 to up to $100,000.00 a year, online colleges are much cheaper. If you want a college education and are making notes that include all of the college planning tips that you are finding, you may find that an online college is the best option for your individual needs and your finances.
The Benefits
There are many challenges occurring at traditional brick and mortar colleges and universities. Examples include high tuition costs, cuts in the educational budgets, shortages of courses, and economic complications. Many students are starting to search for alternatives to their postsecondary education. Today, approximately 4 million students are enrolled in full-time online colleges. The main benefits associated with these colleges of the future include a wide selection of programs and courses, lower tuition costs, a self-paced and comfortable learning atmosphere, and convenience. A college education is essential. When it comes to college planning tips, you may find that it is best to opt for an online school. You will find that you have the ability to learn more, for less, at a pace that is appropriate for your unique situation.