The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Pedagogue
    • Edupedia
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • Product Review of Mood Meter

  • Product Review of Montessori Numbers

  • Product Review of MindTools

  • Product Review of MindTap

  • Product Review of MindSnacks SAT Vocab

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Spanish

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Portuguese

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Japanese

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn Italian

  • Product Review of MindSnacks Learn German

Online Learning & eLearning
Home›Online Learning & eLearning›How Much Should Your Online Education Cost?

How Much Should Your Online Education Cost?

By Matthew Lynch
February 10, 2020
4299
0
Spread the love

Digital learning is more than a fad. It has become a preference.

The interest in online education has grown significantly over the last decade. Enrollment has been increasing by 17% annually, and one out of every three college students has taken an online course.

There’s much to love about online education. It’s a convenient way to attend class, and digital learning offers many of the perks you’d see in a traditional classroom, like socialization and student response opportunities. Online education has the additional benefit of engaging students through gamification and simulations.

The only thing amiss about the online education experience is the price. Online education is expensive.

Usually, supply and demand lower the costs of a product or service. More people want online education, and as a result, vendors have stepped in to supply the market. Economic theory tells us that the price for the service should go down, but that’s not the case with online education.

It’s still a significant investment.

Why is online education so expensive?

We’ve come to expect a lot from technology. After all, the digital age has inculcated the idea that we should be sharing everything. Online education, however, isn’t based on shareware. Other factors determine the cost of online learning. Some of these factors, like the creation of the courses, are less apparent.

A single hour of online content can take as many as 160 hours to produce, at a total cost of approximately $10,000. Courses that are 30 or more hours in length can become expensive quickly.  In addition to the research required, design and delivery, and project management, vendors must also consider how they will support their online courses and stay current in the marketplace.

The companies that produce these courses are from the business sector. They are profit-oriented. They have to be if they want to stay in business. If it’s a publically held company, their shareholders demand it. However, there’s another cost factor: the Online Program Manager (OPM). The OPM serves as the liaison between the online education company and the school, making sure that everything runs smoothly. If it doesn’t, the OPM intervenes and makes it right.

For this tireless work, the OPM earns a salary, and that also must be added to the online education program cost.

How much should online education cost?

Even though online education can seem expensive, it may still be more cost-effective than taking courses in person at the campus.

The cost per hour may be slightly less than traditional classroom instruction, but tuition isn’t the only savings when it comes to online education.  The college student who attends online classes may be able to save thousands on housing, transportation, fees for unnecessary services like the health center, and even meals while at school. That can make taking on the added expense of course development and deployment seem more reasonable.

Actual costs for online education vary by region and program, but it may still be worth looking into online education.

Previous Article

The 10 Best Phones For Kids Of ...

Next Article

The Best Power Banks Of 2022: Portable ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Higher EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Why Hasn’t Online Learning Made Higher Education More Affordable?

    July 12, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    Teaching AP Students Remotely: What Does It Look Like?

    May 16, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    Increasing Accessibility for All Learners in a Blended Learning Environment

    June 11, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    3 Reasons Why Educators Select a Blended Learning Strategy

    September 15, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    7 Tips For Creating The Perfect eLearning Design

    January 3, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    Thoughts On The State Of Mobile Learning

    October 29, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Google ClassroomGoogle Classroom Tips

    Is My Child’s Data Collected by Google Classroom?

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechTeachers

    3 Tips to Turn Learning Analytics Into Actionable Outcomes

  • Policy & Reform

    Why the U.S. Education System is Failing

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Product Review of Mood Meter

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of Montessori Numbers

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindTools

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindTap

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Product Review of MindSnacks SAT Vocab

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]
  • Why Are Some Educators Still Reluctant to Use Technology in the Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate ...
    on
    June 29, 2022

    Evaluating Technology Integration in Schools

    […] no time to ...
  • Onboarding Salespeople: Getting New Sales Reps Up to Speed Quickly
    on
    June 28, 2022

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    […] provide a full-picture ...
  • The Changing Role of Social Responsibility – Perfect Release
    on
    June 27, 2022

    How to Teach Kids Social Responsibility in a Connected World

    […] Lynch, M. (2018, ...
  • Teaching Early Geometry Concepts – Ask a Tech Teacher
    on
    June 23, 2022

    Teaching Early Geometry Concepts

    […] spend a lot ...

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...
  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of AptaFund

    Spread the loveAptaFund is a business management software that provides essential functions to educational institutions, such as web access to educators, parents, and learners. It allows elementary schools and other educational ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...
  • Adult EducationEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEducation LeadershipEducational LeadershipHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechThe Future of Education

    Education Technology and the Future of Higher Ed Leadership

    Spread the loveEducation Technology (EdTech) has had a more significant impact on education than anyone expected. Now its effects are reaching into the field of higher education. In this article, ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.