Think You’ll Make Big Bucks in Online Ed? Not So Fast, Experts Say

Think You'll Make Big Bucks in Online Ed? Not So Fast, Experts Say - Wired Campus - The Chronicle of Higher Education

 

What is interesting is that the online programs referenced in this article, Columbia's Fathom and NYUOnline, weren't programs for individuals seeking degrees. They were more in line with eCornell, who has done an excellent job marketing their programs. The problem with those ventures was their business model and how they marketed it. The article doesn't touch on online degree programs, which is what we tend to discuss here and what has been a growth market for traditional schools in the last 10 years.

Degree programs and/or courses that provide academic credit via distance learning seems to be an solid way to generate revenue for an institutions, especially for public universities considering the decline in funding from state coffers. That said, I think these online degree programs are overpriced at several state-schools, especially the out-of-state rates. While The University of Tennessee and the University of West Virginia are solid schools, there isn't a snowballs chance in hell I'd spend the kind of money they ask for out-of-state students to take their online courses. In my opinion, state schools would be doing themselves a huge favor by implementing in-state tuition rates for all online learners (as some schools have done) or at least establishing a "distance learning rate" that is substantially less than out-of-state tuition. Just my two-cents.

 

AU, I agree. The Georgia WebMBA program is like that - it's a flat rate (~$20k) for the MBA regardless of residency. It makes sense - if it's distance learning, there shouldn't be a discount for residency!

 

I can see both sides. We're talking about state schools. The residents pay taxes which support those schools. Out-of-state students do not. On the other hand, an online student isn't going to use much of the resources that were paid for by the taxes. We don't drive on the streets or sit on the seats.

 

IMO, there should be a distance rate that is slightly more than in-state but significantly less than out-of-state tuition.

 

Stefan, that is the case for the Georgia WebMBA - it is considered a "premium" program and is more expensive than the on-campus MBA at the same school. Here's an example of tuitions:
KSU Office of Graduate Admissions - Tuition and Fees

 

What I don't understand is how anyone can think they will make big bucks in education. There are some tenured professors that are making a fairly high income; teachers and most college professors in general might make a decent living but they rarely make the big bucks. Online adjuncts are often some of the most poorly paid teachers there are.

 

I can't argue with that. I'm sure a number of people have made it rich with degree mills too. Hmmmm. :smile:

 

Become the president of a school and you'll do alright....plus you typically get a sweet mansion (or large house) to live in.

 

ummm...the article was about universities using online courses/degrees as a way to make money - not individuals looking to make money from online education.

 

University of Illinois-Springfield does this.

 

Part of the problem with ventures like the University of Illinois Global Campus was that the Board of Regents seemed to see it as a quick revenue stream by trying to incorporate a University of Phoenix-type model without taking into account the very traditional nature of the U of I. It also made the colossal mistake of trying to compete with, rather than partner with, it's own very successful Springfield campus (which was, quite literally, saved by its excellent distance learning program).

I am fortunate to be working for an institution that does a lot of things that do not make sense from a pure profit standpoint, but that make a lot of sense from an educational standpoint. I love it when our Chancellor brags that we are the slowest growing for-profit university.

Distance learning can be profitable, but only after a significant investment has been made in infrastructure, admissions, financial counseling, student academic services, advising, instructional design and student and faculty technology support.

 

I meant only for out-of-state students. I don't think in-state students should have to pay any more than on-campus in-state students.

 

and you point is...?