Finding Affordable On-Campus Housing as an Online Student
If you’re an online student who wants to enjoy on-campus life, this article’s for you. Here, you’ll learn the benefits of on-campus living as an online student. You’ll also know the best strategies for choosing on-campus housing. We’ll also look at the housing options offered by five accredited online colleges.
But why live in on-campus housing when you’re an online student in the first place? Why not live in off-campus housing? Note that a college student spends $12,990/year on room and board, on average. But it can be as high as $14,410/year, on average, at a private four-year college.
For starters, living in on-campus housing can be more affordable than off-campus housing. Studies have also shown that on-campus living increases student engagement and retention rates. Online students enjoy a balance between independent learning and community belongingness, too.
Featured Programs
Related Articles:
- Low-Cost Housing for Online College Students: Solutions for a Comfortable Education
- Top Online Colleges with the Best Student Housing Amenities
- Guide to Finding Affordable Housing Near Your Online College
Why Consider On-Campus Housing While Attending an Online College?
As an online student, you can live in off-campus housing. You don’t even need to live near the campus. As long as wherever you live has a stable Internet connection, you’re set.
But don’t dismiss on-campus housing either. Here are on-campus living benefits that an online student like yourself will enjoy.
More flexibility for online learning
The best features of online learning are flexible schedules and 24/7 LMS access. But on-campus classes have their appeal, too, particularly the vibrancy of in-person interactions. You will want to talk to your peers and professors in person at some point.
It’s more convenient to attend on-campus workshops, seminars, and laboratory sessions, too. This is especially true in hybrid programs that feature online and in-person activities.
More affordable cost
On-campus housing is usually more affordable than off-campus housing for many reasons. First, many public online colleges offer low-cost on-campus housing. Be sure to consider the affordable options first.
Second, getting approval for financial aid for on-campus housing can be easier. Since on-campus housing has standard rates, it’s easier to determine financial aid.
Third, on-campus housing rates are usually all-inclusive. With off-campus housing, you have to pay for water, power and other utilities. Add in transportation costs, and the dollars add up.
You don’t have to worry about repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. The college housing administration handles them. Think of on-campus housing as a move-in, settle down, and enjoy experience.
Increased student engagement in campus life
Being in affordable on-campus housing for online students goes beyond cost, too. When you’re in a campus community, you can enjoy these benefits.
- Feel less isolated from your peers and professors
- Develop a sense of belonging and friendships with your peers
- Take part in a wide range of student-centric organizations and activities
- Enjoy exposure to diverse cultures and build your cultural competence
- Expand your network beyond your digital connections
Indeed, a well-rounded college experience includes both academics and extracurriculars. You can have both as an online student in on-campus housing. With a healthy social life, you’ll enjoy a balanced study-life balance.
Enhanced learning environment
In-person collaborations, including study groups and group projects, have their merits. You can draw inspiration from others and increase your motivation. The structured learning environment also makes it easier to maintain your focus.
Easy and convenient access to campus services, resources, and facilities
Often, in-person access is the best option because of the human connection. When you live on campus, the college essentials are within walking distance. Student support services, libraries, labs, and more are already there.
Enhanced safety and security
On-campus housing usually features safety and security measures. Campus police patrols, controlled access, and CCTVs are common.
You should consider on-campus housing even if you’re planning on enrolling in an online or hybrid program. These benefits make the affordable cost worth it.
Top Accredited Online Colleges Offering Low-Cost On-Campus Housing
These are the best online colleges with housing options for the following reasons.
- With regional accreditation
- Known for their affordable tuition and fees as well as affordable housing options
- Offer financial aid for housing costs
- Provide a wide range of housing options
- Ensure comfortable accommodations, amenities, and security
University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
UF, a public land-grant research university, is among the nation’s top universities. Getting in isn’t easy, too, with a 24% acceptance rate. But UF’s 89% 6-year graduation rate means it’s a great school to earn your college degree.
Check out its online college housing guide to decide on your best housing option. Every housing unit is fully furnished and comes with high-speed Internet. Choose from 27 residential halls, living and learning communities, and graduate and family housing options. Swimming pools, study spaces, and recreation spaces are available. Community-building events are popular among residents.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Location: Adelphi, Maryland
Accreditation: MSCHE
UMGC, a public university, offers 135+ academic online, hybrid, and in-person programs. The diverse student population comes from across the U.S. and worldwide. UMGC’s students have access to federal and state aid, including G.I. Bill benefits.
First-time and returning students have priority to on-campus residence halls. Students choose from a wide range of residence halls. Their fees vary depending on the hall’s amenities, type of room, and amenities available. Students can pay in manageable monthly installments. Military veterans must work with housing advisors to qualify for the highest possible housing allowance.
Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Accreditation: HLC
CSU, a public land-grant research university, is among the country’s top Tier 1 universities. With its 33,700-strong student population, it’s a hub of innovation. However, it has a small 1:17 teacher-to-student ratio that contributes to its reputation for academic excellence. Students choose from 50+ online degree programs in diverse disciplines.
There are four apartment communities and 15 residence halls available. There are different eligibility guidelines for each type of housing. Residence halls are available in two styles – community and suite. Go for the community style if you’re into a beehive of activity. Choose the suite style if you want more privacy at a higher cost.
Arizona State University
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation: HLC
ASU, a public research university, offers more than 800 academic programs. Known for its research, innovation, and outreach, it also provides personalized support. Students choose from six start dates in its online and hybrid programs. The low 1:18 teacher-to-student ratio means optimized learning.
Certain colleges in specific locations, including The Honors College, have their residence halls. On many campuses, there are separate residence halls for freshmen and continuing students.
Different student populations also have different housing accommodations. The Honors College Students must live in their assigned residence halls. All upper-division students can live on any of the ASU campuses of their choice.
Purdue University
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Accreditation: HLC
Purdue University is among the best online colleges with student dorms at affordable rates. The public land-grant research university offers 200+ online academic programs.
Students choose from a wide range of affordable housing options. Boilermakers choose from residence halls, including all-female, all-male, and coed halls. There are also apartments, known as URBAs, which offer more independence. Many colleges, such as Agriculture, also have living and learning communities. Special and short-term housing options are available.
Comparing On-Campus Housing Costs at Accredited Online Colleges
Keep in mind that the term “budget-friendly on-campus housing” is relative. What may be affordable to you may not be so to another student. But when financial aid is considered, these online colleges offer budget-friendly on-campus housing in its true sense.
Online College | Type of Housing and Corresponding Rate |
University of Florida | From $2,719 (Traditional Quad) to $5,058 (Suite Single) – For Fall/Spring |
University of Maryland Global Campus | From $7,606 (Triple or Quad) to $13,640 (Apartment) For an academic year |
Colorado State University | From $3,585 (Community-Style Double) to $6,295 (Suite-Style Single with Private Bathroom) For a semester |
Arizona State University | From $10,732 (Shared Room, Shared Bath) to $16,382 (Studio) For an academic year (Downtown Phoenix Campus; campus rates vary) |
Purdue University | From $8,180 (Four-bedroom apartment) to $15,900 (Apartment studio with air-con) For an academic year |
All these accredited universities with dorm options offer separate meal plans. The figures reflected above are for room rates only. Check the official websites of these online colleges, too, for changes in rates.
When looking at the above figures, it’s easy to conclude that UF offers the best value for your money. UF, after all, offers the lowest per-person, per academic year room rate.
But when you’re comparing costs, you must look beyond the dollar amounts. Keep these factors in mind when comparing your housing options.
Type of room and number of occupants
You must first determine your living preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Single- and double-occupancy rooms and apartments are best for greater privacy and independence. Residence halls are great for their community atmosphere but can be hectic.
In general, the more occupants in a room, the more affordable it is. Keep in mind, too, that the more occupants, the greater your adjustment to different personalities.
Type and quality of amenities
Check the amenities included in the housing rate. Wi-Fi connection, common areas, and laundry facilities are common. Utilities, such as water and power, are also included. Again, the more amenities available, the more comfortable your stay but it will come with a cost.
Distance to campus resources, services, and facilities
The nearer your on-campus accommodations to your classes, the better for your campus experience.
House rules and regulations
Every residence hall and apartment complex has its specific rules and regulations. These cover curfews, visiting hours, use of amenities, and more. Read and understand them to determine if these fit with your living preferences.
Availability and affordability of meal plans
Check the costs, number of meals per day and week, and flexibility of the meal plans. You may or may not need a full meal plan, depending on your lifestyle.
If necessary, make a pros and cons list of each housing option.
How to Choose the Best On-Campus Housing for Your Needs
Here are more tips when choosing from online degree programs with housing availability.
- Talk to your parents about the on-campus housing costs, especially if your college requires freshman students to live on campus. Budgeting for room and board is a must since it’s 25% to 40% of your cost of attendance.
- Ask a financial aid officer at your college about coverage for room and board. Apply to as many financial aid programs as possible.
- Consider the total cost of the housing accommodations first. Determine if you can afford the costs of your initial preferred accommodations. Consider both the gross cost and net cost (i.e., after financial aid).
- Determine if you can also afford the cost of the corresponding meal plan for each housing type. Again, factor in student financial aid and, if possible, parental support.
- Read and understand the lease terms, house rules, and other matters. Determine if you can live with these terms.
- Choose a housing type based on your lifestyle and living preferences, too. You may have to pay extra for additional comfort and amenities. But if these enhance your college experience as an online student in on-campus housing, consider it.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Education and Budget
In conclusion, online colleges offer affordability, quality, and flexibility for motivated students. Many offer affordable college living for online students, too. Online students in on-campus housing enjoy the best of both worlds – independence and community.
Be sure to only choose from online accredited colleges that offer on-campus housing options. Accreditation means access to financial aid that can cover your on-campus housing fees. This way, you’re enjoying both quality education and comfortable accommodations at affordable rates. That’s what we call a win-win situation in online college education.