In today鈥檚 digital world, we鈥檝e grown accustomed to finding savings with just a click, whether it鈥檚 food delivery or online shopping. Likewise, it seems logical that online education would cost less than attending in person. Unfortunately, that鈥檚 hardly the case for most people seeking a college degree. So, why are students still paying on-campus prices for remote learning?
Virtual education is becoming more popular and the number of online students is growing. The cost of online degree programs at traditional universities often matches the tuition paid by on-campus students. In fact, many students who rarely set foot on campus subsidize the facilities, parking and housing that they don鈥檛 use or simply pay artificially elevated tuition that does not align with the institution鈥檚 cost of program delivery.
At 番茄视频 (ACE), we鈥檝e created a unique student-centric model that prioritizes everything students need and nothing they don鈥檛. Built as a fully online, affordable and accredited institution, ACE focuses on teaching and learning. We are transparent about our tuition, with no hidden costs. It鈥檚 all part of our mission to help students earn a degree without accumulating unpayable debt.
This blog examines how ACE鈥檚 one-of-a-kind online degree programs compare to traditional institutions, as well as why our affordability and compelling return on investment for students is no accident.
Online Classes With On-Campus Costs
It鈥檚 no secret that online enrollment is booming, and 2025 is likely to see more Americans seeking fully online education than programs that are entirely in person.鹿 While students are logging into class from living rooms, libraries and coffee shops, for many, their tuition bills still reflect the cost of on-campus degrees.
A Quality Matters report found that 83% of online degree programs are just as expensive, if not more, than their traditional counterparts.鹿 These students are often billed for campus services, student centers and amenities they never use, all while balancing the demands of remote learning.
What can be frustrating to online students is that many of these programs weren鈥檛 initially built for online delivery. They’re extensions of campus-first institutions, often retrofitted with lecture videos and minimal engagement opportunities.
How Online Learning Relates to the Student Debt Crisis
The cost of college has become a national concern. With student loan debt exceeding $1.6 trillion, more Americans ask if a college degree is worth it.2 The significant disconnect between college costs and student outcomes demands that institutions across the nation reevaluate their strategies.
At ACE, we prioritize our pricing models and delivery systems to support student outcomes while safeguarding post-graduation financial security. It鈥檚 all about saving them money while providing a learning style that offers a quantifiable return on investment. Independent market research shows that ACE graduates earn an average of $19,000 more in future earnings for every $1 invested, and self-reported data reveals a $20,000 salary increase in the first year after graduation.
Comparing Costs: Traditional vs. Online Degree Programs
According to a College Board report, the 2024-25 school year saw an increase of 2.7% in tuition and fees at public four-year universities. At private institutions, this increase rose to a staggering 3.9%.3 Specifically, regarding master鈥檚 degrees, the average cost of college varies depending on the area of study and the institution. However, they can generally average a cost between the ranges of $44,640 and $71,140.4
These outrageous costs put graduate degrees out of reach for many working adults. That鈥檚 why at ACE:
- Most bachelor鈥檚 degree programs cost under $10,000.5
- Most master鈥檚 degree programs cost under $10,000.5
- Most doctoral programs cost under $25,000.5
Course Delivery Matters: The Online-First Difference
ACE鈥檚 programs were built from the ground up to serve online students, so we don鈥檛 operate a traditional campus. This allows us to offer the following benefits to students:
- High-quality and relevant content taught by practitioners
- Flexibility designed for working adults
- No dorms, dining halls or unnecessary fees
- Tuition costs that reflect only what it costs to build and deliver world-class online courses
As a fully online college, ACE has eliminated the campus overhead that often drives up the average cost of distance education. We also channel our focus toward teaching and learning without relying on federal funding. This enables us to avoid bloating our student fees with the administrative and compliance costs that traditional institutions often charge. An intentional approach like this allows what we offer to be highly relevant, focused, flexible and built around student goals and learning styles.
Not All Online Education Is Created Equal
Just because a program offers online courses doesn鈥檛 mean it was built for online students. While many traditional institutions now offer online degree programs, they may not have every component needed to turn your story into a success. ACE鈥檚 online-first programs are developed to provide high-impact content and connection in an entirely virtual environment.
Built for Affordability
Financial barriers are just some of the many challenges people must overcome to get the education they鈥檝e always wanted. At ACE, we鈥檙e committed to removing them. Here鈥檚 how we keep tuition low while providing quality education:
Fully Online Courses
There鈥檚 no physical campus to maintain, so we don鈥檛 need to charge for infrastructure like parking lots, sports facilities or maintenance crews. We leverage the best-in-class virtual learning platforms to offer a high-quality digital campus.
No Federal Loans
While ACE is eligible for Title IV federal funding, we intentionally choose not to participate. This helps us keep operational costs down and tuition more affordable. No matter what your program is, you can pay as you go, term-by-term, often without the need for loans.
Transparent Tuition Cost
Before enrolling, you鈥檒l know exactly how much your program will cost 鈥� no hidden fees or late-stage charges. Total costs are listed publicly on each program鈥檚 respective webpage.
What You Get With an ACE Education
ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a nationally recognized accrediting agency. We meet rigorous standards that ensure our programs offer high-quality learning experiences that include:
- Expert practitioner faculty trained in online instruction
- Relevant curriculum built in-house by our faculty and curriculum development experts
- Collaborative interactivity tools and digital networking opportunities
- Support teams focused on helping students meet their educational and career goals
- Multiple term start dates per year to allow for additional flexibility
Whether you want to kickstart your higher education journey with online education, are looking to optimize your career with a master鈥檚 degree, or are building toward new leadership opportunities, our courses are designed to meet you where you are 鈥� in life, work and learning style.
Online Education to Move You Forward, Not Leave You Behind
At ACE, we believe that education should be high-quality, accessible and affordable, no matter where or how you learn. Our model highlights the longstanding discussion between on-campus vs. online degrees. We remove unnecessary expenses, eliminate hidden fees and empower online students to focus on what matters: their learning experiences and career goals.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our online degree programs and explore how 番茄视频 can support your career goals.
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5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
