Introduction: Understanding the True Cost of Online Learning
Most of you may know that it’s important to look for affordability when applying to online colleges. However, what many of you may not look for are the hidden costs of online learning.
If you’re considering online learning in college, you’re in the right direction. You will enjoy flexibility, affordability, and convenience in online learning. Of these benefits, you were most likely attracted to the affordability benefit.
We’re not surprised either, as affordability is a major concern among students. In 2024, the average annual cost of attendance is $38,270 per student. This is 23 times higher than tuition in 1963. Between 2010 and 2022, tuition inflation was 12% per year, on average. Think about it: Tuition inflation continues to outpace general inflation.
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But online learning isn’t a bed of roses either. Online students pay 2.1% higher per-credit tuition than on-campus, in-state students. Yes, it’s surprising, considering that online colleges are supposedly more affordable.
Keep in mind, nonetheless, that the affordability factor comes in other ways. First, online colleges offer lower student fees to offset the slightly higher tuition. Second, you can save on transportation costs, parking fees, and on-campus room and board. Third, you’re also eligible for financial aid programs, including on-campus opportunities.
No wonder, then that 96% of online students recommend online learning. The majority believe that online learning is equal to or better than on-campus learning.
So, where do the hidden costs of online learning come in? These come in the form of online college fees. These are extra charges that students pay as a condition for enrollment. Students pay these fees to access a wide range of resources and services. These include access to the learning platform and student support services.
Note that student fees are separate from tuition. Both, however, can be covered by financial aid. Tuition refers to the primary costs of education. Together, tuition and fees represent 50% of the cost of attendance in online colleges.
Being aware of the hidden costs of online learning then makes sense. If you’re aware, you can anticipate and budget for these costs. You also have the opportunity to find and apply for scholarships that cover student fees. This way, you can enjoy significant savings from not paying exorbitant fees.
Even the most affordable online colleges impose student fees. These extra expenses in online education may or may not be an issue, depending on their amounts.
Your financial resources and readiness to pay will affect your perspective, too. If you have the financial resources, payment won’t be an issue. But if these fees run in the hundreds of dollars, you may have second thoughts.
You must then seek reliable information about the student fees you’ll be paying. Otherwise, you might get sticker shock when you look at your bill.
Here are the common hidden costs of online learning that you may encounter in colleges.
Application fees
Many online colleges impose application fees. Liberty University and ASU Online are examples.
With every application submitted, your application costs increase. So, you must make deliberate decisions about the online colleges you’re interested in.
Otherwise, you could spend hundreds on applications but only one becomes successful. You can spend, say, $75 on a single application without enrolling in a single course. Application fees are non-refundable, too.
Administrative fees
Administrative fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications and student registrations. Administrative fees can also apply to transcript requests and academic records maintenance. Late registration and late payment penalties can also fall under the category.
If you pay a specific amount every semester, it adds up over four years. Note that you may not even use some of these services, such as late registration or payments.
Technology fees
Many online colleges don’t have physical campuses. Western Governors University and Capella University don’t impose campus-related fees. But their technology fees can be high.
These fees cover the cost of maintenance and upgrades of their digital infrastructure. The sophisticated technology, including hardware, software, and manpower, requires money. Over time, the e-book and technology $200 fee for every program at WGU adds up.
Exam proctoring fees
Online colleges ensure academic integrity through proctored exams, among others. The technology isn’t cheap and exam proctoring fees pay for it. If your academic program has several proctored exams in a semester, it adds up.
Course materials fees
These fees ensure your access to e-books, learning materials and resources, and workbooks. If you’re in a specialized program, these fees pay for specific software and apps. Let’s assume that you’re paying $50 for every course, and you’re enrolled in four courses. You’re paying $200 for course materials fees in a single semester.
Student services fees
Online colleges also offer student support services to ensure their students’ academic success. Academic advising, tutoring, and career services are common. Students access these services online, too. These are the most common fees and the highest in amount.
Even with low student service fees, their recurring nature adds up over the years. If you pay $100 every semester, it’s $800 in four years.
Activity fees
These are less common fees in online colleges. But when activity fees are collected, these are used to support student-run organizations. Virtual activities and events are then available.
Graduation fees
The costs for your diploma, cap and toga, and attendance in the graduation ceremony come from graduation fees. While these are a one-time fee, these can be significant, too.
Residency fees
Online programs can have on-campus residency requirements. These in-person activities can also be field experiences, internships, or practicum.
But residency fees aren’t your only concern with on-campus requirements. You will also spend on your transportation, accommodations, and other expenses. These are usually out-of-pocket costs.
These aren’t hidden costs per se. You will find most of these student fees on your student account. But these can be hidden fees when you don’t expect them. You may also expect their presence on your student account but not their high amounts.
Whatever the case, you must be vigilant about reducing online college costs in small ways. These small ways add up, too, and it applies to saving on college fees.
Student Fees: What to Watch Out For
From the above common extra expenses in online education, we can make a comparison table. Online public colleges usually have lower student fees than private colleges. This is because of state subsidies to public institutions. Private institutions, however, also offer fee waivers funded by their endowments.
| Types of Student Fees | Average Range in Online Public Colleges | Average Range in Online Private Colleges |
| Application fees | $30 – $75 | $50 – $100 |
| Administrative fees | $100 – $300 per semester | $200 – $500 per semester |
| Technology fees | $50 – $200 per semester | $300 per semester |
| Exam proctoring fees | $20 – $50 per exam | $30 – $60 per exam |
| Course materials fees | $50 – $150 per course | $100 – $300 per course |
| Student services fees | $100 – $300 per semester | $200 – $500 per semester |
| Activity fees | $300 per semester | $500 per semester |
| Graduation fees | $50 – $100 | $100 – $200 |
| Residency fees | $1,000 – $3,000 per semester | $2,000 – $6,000 per semester |
These are only estimated student fees for public and private online colleges. You must check with your online college about the specific amount and coverage for each fee.
Keep these tips in mind, too:
- Ask for an itemized list of student fees.
- Check if, indeed, the student fees apply to online students, too. You may find hidden charges, such as campus-specific fees, charged to your account. Transportation, parking, and health services fees are notable examples.
- Request for removal of non-applicable fees or negotiate their amounts.
- Ask for fee waivers. Check for eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Tips for Finding Affordable Online Colleges
The first step in enjoying affordable education is identifying low-cost online colleges. If you’re starting with affordable tuition and fees, it’s easier to reduce your college costs. Follow these tips for affordable online degrees and you’re in the right direction.
- Make a list of accredited, affordable online colleges and universities. Regional accreditation is a guarantee of compliance with academic standards, federal and state financial aid, and student support services.
- Create a spreadsheet of the tuition and fees for every affordable online college on your list. If necessary, make a detailed list of the student fees.
- Compare the tuition and fees of the online colleges and their programs. You should have an easier time comparing direct costs since these are clearly stated.
- Go beyond the stated tuition and fees. Consider the indirect costs of completing your preferred academic program, too. Books and supplies, computer setup, and Internet connection should be included. You may have to purchase a new computer setup or upgrade your existing setup to meet technology requirements. Your Internet bill is a recurring expense that will affect your college cost, too.
- Consider the programs’ length and their on-campus requirements. The shorter the program’s duration, the more savings you can get. While on-campus residencies have their merits, these mean added expense.
- Ask about the financial aid opportunities available. Federal, state, and institutional aid should be available for online students. Check for military education benefits, endowments, and fee waivers, too.
You can make the tuition and fees comparison using pen and paper, too. There are also online comparison tools that make it easier, including College Navigator, College Board’s Big Future, and U.S. News & World Report College Rankings.
How to Reduce Extra Expenses
Again, student fees in online learning can be a significant financial burden. Here are more affordable education tips to save even more money.
- Transfer as many credits as you can. Less required courses for completion, less tuition for payment.
- Take full advantage of free and cheap services and resources. Free textbooks, courses, and learning materials are available through Open Educational Resources. Go to your local public library and use digital library services.
- Use student discounts and deals to your benefit. Discounts for software and services abound if you know where to look. Be a member of organizations and platforms that offer deals to students.
- Negotiate fees and other charges.
- Applying for scholarships and grants is an obvious cost-reduction measure.
- Rent and borrow whatever books, supplies, and equipment you can. You may also buy secondhand items.
But the most crucial aspect of saving money on your college costs is to plan and budget for them. You will have greater control over your finances. Plus, you can anticipate “unexpected expenses.”
Conclusion: Making Smart Financial Choices in Online Education
The hidden costs of online education can make or break your college journey. You may have planned for tuition, but overlooking fees can be a mistake. Being able to spot hidden fees and getting fee waivers can reduce your college costs. Be sure to do your research about student fees and plan accordingly.
Don’t stop with the student fees either. You must be creative when saving money on online college. Thinking outside the box, such as coupons, can save the day.