Advanced DL Degrees Not for Those With Thin Wallets!

Some time back, someone posted a comment suggesting that the cost of doctoral programs, specifically DL programs, worked well to exclude some people that should not pursue doctoral programs to begin with. I remember thinking that it is really a sad commentary when academic capability and financial capability are measured with the same yardstick.

The University of Phoenix and several other DL schools that offer advanced degrees tend to be costly. I know there are exceptions. Many have been suggested in this forum. The majority of the DL only regionally accredited institutions are clearly not for those without significant financial means.

I am of the opinion that DL in the United States, while helping working people to earn their first degrees at one level, excludes many by virtue of the costs at the advanced-degree level. I am not ignorant of the costs of their operations. At this point, however, distance learning is simply not for the masses. Is it any wonder that some traditional schools consider DL institutions the places where "rich boys" buy their degrees?

Just a thought!

 

I Agree

I have already decided to go for my post-graduate degrees with the University of London (U.K.) or/and UNISA (South Africa)

Their degrees are just as valid and much much cheaper. I simply do not give money obsessed Universities who rip people off my time.

 

I earned my American DL masters degree for $4,200. Considering that the cost was spread over several years, that was certainly affordable.

 

$4,200.00

Where the heck could I get a Master's for that amount? SMSU is very reasonable but it will be more than $10,000!!

 

Re: $4,200.00

California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Their humanities external MA program charged $140/unit x 30 units = $4,200 at the time I was enrolled. I think that Nicole said that it has gone up slightly since then, but only about $5/unit or something.

http://dominguezonline.csudh.edu/programs.htm

 

Re: Re: $4,200.00

California State University - Hayward: each course $595 -- 10 courses (includes thesis) = $5950. And I thought that was high!

 

Texas Tech runs about $6000 for a masters (including books & fees).

Indiana State runs about $170/cr or $5500 for a masters, they also have several undergraduate degree completion programs

UNDERGRADUATE
Associate Degree
General Aviation Flight Technology
Bachelor Degree-Completion
Degreelink Bachelor Degree-Completion in:
Business Administration
Career and Technical Education
Community Health
Criminology
Electronics Technology
Human Resource Development
Industrial Supervision
Industrial Technology
Insurance
Mechanical Technology
Nursing

Certificates
Criminology
Library/Media Services

Endorsement
Driver Education

GRADUATE

Master's Degrees
Criminology
Electronics and Computer Technology
Health and Safety
Human Resource Development
Nursing
Student Affairs Administration

Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program
Technology Management

Certificates
Library/Media Services
Public Administration

Licensure
School Administration
Endorsement
Driver Education
Emotional Disturbance

 

Re: Re: Re: $4,200.00

Leslie, isn't it interesting though that CSUH's regular graduate program is $615.00 per quarter for as many credits as you can take? I think even CSUH sees DL as a cash cow. So, if one does the program in residence taking two classes per quarter, the total cost would actually be a little over $3,000.

On another note, I think there is a significant difference, as far as the cost of advanced DL degrees, between Master's Programs and Doctoral Programs. One of the few low cost doctoral programs would be the University of Nebraska at Lincoln's Ed.D. program. Comparatively, consider the cost of Walden's, Phoenix' or Union's doctoral programs. Better have a fat wallet!

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: $4,200.00

You are correct in this observation, David. The most economical DL RA Ph.D. is well over $20,000. Some of the RA professional doctorates (e.g., Ed.D., D.Min., DBA, etc.) are less expensive than the Ph.D., but there is indeed a significant difference between the cost of a master's degree and a doctorate.

Many non-US GAAP doctorates, on the other hand, are really quite economical compared to their US counterparts--at least for US students. Several South African doctorates can be earned for less than $5000, and the Australian doctorates are of similar value.

 

Re: $4,200.00

Fort Hays State University is also very reasonable, I believe right around the cost of Dominguez Hills. They offer the Master of Liberal Studies with several concentrations.


Bruce

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: $4,200.00