Introduction: The Rise of Nonprofit Online Colleges
Did you know? For-profit colleges were the first to popularize online learning. They aimed to help more students get a college degree without needing to relocate. However, their programs were very expensive, making them difficult for many students to afford. This is where nonprofit online colleges started to make a name for themselves.
Nonprofit colleges entered the scene of online learning to give more students access to higher-quality learning and cheaper options. Since then, the higher education system has changed a lot. From students doubting its academic rigor to needing it.
In 2019, only about 13.1% of college students were enrolled in an online class. Today, more than half of the total college student population is taking at least one course online, while 28% are exclusively enrolled online.
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Compared to for-profit education, nonprofit online colleges are focused on two things:
- Low tuition and fee rates
- High quality of education
But beyond offering affordable tuition rates, nonprofit online colleges also pride themselves on offering students a supportive learning environment. College is very stressful, and money is not the only problem.
A supportive learning environment fosters growth and success in educational settings. College is more than just learning. It’s a mix of experiences, many of which are only possible with the right support services.
This article discusses the importance of affordable and supportive online learning communities. We aim to help you understand how crucial these elements are for enhancing your educational journey by giving you real-life student success stories.
Affordable Tuition: A Pathway to Education for All
Many students only know the difference between public and private colleges. However, the US higher education system is more diverse than just these two categories.
Public colleges are all nonprofit. Private colleges, on the other hand, can be nonprofit or for-profit. There are huge differences between nonprofit and for-profit colleges. These institutions differ in mission.
Firstly, what are for-profit colleges?
For-profit colleges are designed to make money, often more than they focus on providing high-quality education. Because their main goal is to earn a profit, they tend to charge higher tuition and fees compared to nonprofit colleges. Although some for-profit colleges strive for academic excellence, their business-focused model can lead to higher student costs.
One major concern is that these colleges might focus on enrolling as many students as possible to increase profits rather than providing a high-quality education. This can lead to problems such as less challenging academic programs and fewer student support services. As a result, students at for-profit colleges may be more likely to drop out and less likely to graduate than nonprofit colleges.
Here are some of the most popular for-profit colleges, along with their average annual tuition and graduation rate:
| Institution | Average Undergraduate Tuition | Graduation Rate |
| University of Phoenix | $17,500 | 33% |
| DeVry University | $31,699 | 47% |
| Capella University | $14,328 | 24.4% |
| Berkeley College New York | $28,600 | 44% |
| Strayer University | $19,727 | 17% |
On the other hand, nonprofit colleges, whether public or private, focus on education rather than making money. These institutions focus on these missions:
- To provide good education and supportive communities.
- To help students grow in their studies into professional careers.
Nonprofit colleges will still charge tuition and fees, but they’re not as expensive as their for-profit counterparts.
Here are among the top nonprofit schools known for their online education benefits, such as low tuition rates and supportive learning communities:
| Institution | Average Undergraduate Tuition | Graduation Rate |
| Florida International University | $6,517 | 84% |
| CUNY Lehman College | $7,410 | 63.7% |
| University of Florida | $12,450 | 89% |
| Northeastern University | $18,440 | 83.% |
| Georgia State University | $8,478 | 72% |
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that not all nonprofits are the same.
Some nonprofits were built to offer affordable programs, while others focused more on specialized or elite education. Even within the nonprofit sector, the price of attending a college can vary significantly based on factors such as the institution’s size, location, and resources.
Here are some of the most expensive nonprofit colleges and their average undergraduate tuition fees and graduation rates:
| Institution | Average Undergraduate Tuition | Graduation Rate |
| Brown University | $65,146 | 95% |
| Columbia University | $66,139 | 96% |
| Cornell University | $63,200 | 93% |
| Dartmouth College | $62,658 | 94% |
| Harvard University | $57,261 | 98% |
| Princeton University | $57,410 | 97% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $63,452 | 95% |
| Yale University | $62,250 | 96% |
While these average annual tuition are very expensive, rest assured that you will have your money’s worth.
However, unlike online for-profit private colleges that have the same costs, these institutions are known to offer college affordability via affordable tuition models. They offer the following tuition models for talented students in low-income families:
Sliding Scale Tuition
This model adjusts costs based on a family’s income level to make education more affordable.
Work-Study Programs
These programs allow students to work part-time on campus, earning money to help pay for their education while gaining valuable work experience.
Flexible Payment Plans
Some institutions provide flexible payment options, allowing students to pay tuition in installments rather than in one lump sum.
Financial Assistance
They also offer generous financial aid packages. They tend to have the largest endowment funds, allowing them to offer multiple generous need-based financial aid programs. However, these universities are very competitive. They have average acceptance rates of 4% to 10%.
Supportive Communities: The Backbone of Student Success
Student success remains a top priority for nonprofit online colleges. As these colleges continuously strive to create more supportive learning environments for student success, they’ve adapted to changing technology and today’s latest educational tools.
Reading through real-life student achievements, these programs and resources were mentioned repetitively as key factors in their academic and professional growth:
Centralized Communication
Nonprofit online colleges have established peer support networks to help students work together, share resources, and offer encouragement. These networks aim to reduce feelings of isolation in the online learning community.
Simulation-Based Experiential Learning
Simulation-based learning is useful for online students, preparing them for real-world challenges. It supports educational leadership, teacher training, and counseling by linking theory to practice, improving decision-making, crisis management, and teaching techniques.
Counseling and Mental Health Services
Recognizing the importance of mental health, many nonprofit online colleges offer counseling and support services. This includes online counseling, stress management workshops, and mental health awareness programs. These programs are very important in enhancing online learning experiences.
Career Readiness Resources
These resources assist students with job applications through resume writing workshops, interview preparation techniques, and job search strategies. They also help students connect with potential employers and may include internships and simulations for practical experience.
Success Stories
Kalena Miles: From First-Generation Graduate to Event Management Pro
Kalena Miles, a first-generation college graduate from the University of Florida, discovered her passion for event management after a course led by Dr. Annamarie Sisson. She switched majors to tourism, hospitality, and event management and pursued a second bachelor’s degree in sports management through UF Online.
Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Kalena embraced online learning and secured internships with major sports organizations like the Miami Heat and Detroit Lions. Her perseverance led to impressive achievements, including hands-on roles in managing major events and concerts by artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Graduating with dual degrees from UF and graduating debt-free is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Angelique Willis: Balancing Motherhood and a Career with Online Education
Angelique Willis, a Georgia native, has successfully balanced motherhood with a full-time job, pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s in public health through Georgia State Online’s flexible degree programs. Despite juggling multiple roles, including academics, community organizations, and environmental justice advocacy, she has achieved significant achievements.
She is pursuing a master’s degree in geography and plans to pursue a PhD. She aims to work in urban and regional planning to ensure clean drinking water access for marginalized communities.
Stacey Fleurijean: Navigating Military Life and Motherhood Through Online Learning
Stacey Fleurijean is a military spouse and mother of two who has been transforming her journey through online education. She found FIU Online, a portable program, to be the perfect fit for her needs.
Despite the challenges of military life and motherhood, she has gained valuable insights through online learning. She has also developed strong discipline and time management skills to balance coursework with daily life.
Stacey’s online education has led to academic success and a fulfilling experience in a Study Abroad program in Costa Rica, where she engaged in meaningful humanitarian work. This experience deepened her understanding of environmental sustainability and helped her develop essential skills for her future career.
Mandie Mayo: Enhancing Strategic Communication from Sioux City
Mandie Mayo is a marketing professional at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s in Sioux City, Iowa. She excels by leveraging effective communication, strong writing skills, and strategic thinking. When seeking a graduate degree that complemented her demanding career, she discovered that the University of Iowa’s MA in Strategic Communication perfectly aligned with her goals.
The flexibility of the distance education program allowed Mandie to advance her education part-time while continuing to work locally. She benefits from the same high-quality instruction and engagement as on-campus students, enhancing her professional skills from her hometown.
Conclusion: The Positive Impact of Nonprofit Online Colleges
Nonprofit colleges vs. for-profit colleges: Who wins?
We favor nonprofit online colleges because they offer several benefits that often surpass those of for-profit schools. The positive outcomes of online education at nonprofit colleges are evident. They provide flexible learning options, lower costs, and better support for diverse student needs.