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. It seems logical that opting for online education would cost you 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 vs online degrees for remote learning?
As online education becomes more popular and the number of online students grows, the cost of online degree programs at traditional universities continues to rise, often matching 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 delivery.
At 番茄视频 (ACE), we鈥檝e created a unique student-centric model that prioritizes everything you need and nothing you don鈥檛. Built as a fully online, affordable, accredited institution, ACE focuses on teaching and learning, and offers online courses with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. It鈥檚 all part of our mission to help students earn a degree without accumulating more debt. This blog examines how our one-of-a-kind online degree program compares to traditional institutions and 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. 2025 will see more Americans take to fully online education than those enrolled in classes that are entirely in person.鹿 But 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 vs online 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鈥檚 even more frustrating to online students nationwide 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 interactivity.
What About the Student Debt Crisis?
It鈥檚 no secret: the cost of college has become a national concern. With student loan debt exceeding $1.6 trillion, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?2 With a significant disconnect between college costs and the outcomes students can expect, institutions across the nation should reevaluate their strategies.
At ACE, we prioritize our pricing models and delivery systems to support your outcomes while safeguarding your post-graduation financial security. It鈥檚 all about saving you money while providing a learning style that offers a quantifiable return on your investment. Independent market research shows 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 This steady increase puts graduate degrees out of reach for many working adults, especially when paying for features they don鈥檛 use.
Regarding master鈥檚 degrees, the average cost of college varies depending on the area of education and the institution. However, they can generally average a cost between the ranges of $44,640 and $71,140.4
ACE costs are different:
- Most master鈥檚 degree programs cost under $10,000.
- Our doctoral programs are under $25,000.
Choose Intentional Online Education
Our programs were built from the ground up to serve online students, and we don鈥檛 operate a traditional campus.
What does that mean for students?
- High-quality and relevant content taught by practitioners.
