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Updated: 7:52 PM Jul 23, 2008
Gas Prices Drive Students to Online Courses
Gas prices now need to be factored into college costs, just like tuition, room, board and books.
Posted: 7:46 PM Jul 23, 2008Reporter: Bill Murray Email Address: bill.murray@wsaz.com |
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8 Comments 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Zan Dick's been studying counseling at Marshall University, but he's learned a lot about economics this year. Gas is more than $4 a gallon, and Dick lives in Hamlin, W.Va., roughly a 45-minute drive to the MU campus.
One way to ease the pain at the pump was taking an online course,
Dick said.
"The gas was a lot easier on me because I didn't have to come," he said. "I could just work from the house. I didn't have to go anywhere."
A boost in online enrollment is a trend being seen from coast to coast.
The director of Marshall's program is Dr. Monica Brooks. She said Marshall doesn't break down the numbers as to why, but the indicators are all in place.
"This is a logical progression," Brooks said. "If you're living an hour a way, gas is a serious consideration when you're trying to figure out how much your going to spend for your education."
Marshall University's online course registration has grown every year since the late 1990s. This year alone, it has jumped 9 percent.
Stats provided by the university show:
Number of online classes scheduled for fall 2008 = 183
Number of students currently enrolled in online classes for
Fall 2008 = 3,766
Almost 10 years ago:
Number of online classes that were scheduled for fall 1999 = 32
Number of students who were enrolled in online classes
in Fall 1999 = 388
Quick facts:
Close to 100 percent increase in enrollment since 1999
Over 170 percent increase in average number of online classes
offered since 1999
MU's numbers for last year were 11,913.
Latest Comments
If Anon can drive to campus for less than $150 during the course of a semester - I want one of what he's driving!
I'd just like to comment that it is so sad that when the majority of the college students graduate, they are so far in debt from school loans, and living expenses, that they can't see straight...By reading what anon. says, I think THAT should be checked out. Maybe students are "duped" into THINKING it cheaper on them and that they are getting a so-called deal.
As a working mother of three trying to continue my education, without the help of Marshall University's online courses, I would never see my dream of completing my bachelor's degree and continuing on to receive my masters degree come to fruitation. Between making sure my children don't miss out on anything in their lives because of my dream and the increasing cost of gas, I would otherwise have to choose my children and their lives. I have taken approximately 25 online courses at Marshall University, and I cannot say enough about the richness of their courses and various programs, especially the Public Library Technology Program. Because of the wealth of information I have learned in these programs, I have already attained the job of my dreams - and I don't graduate until December. The price paid for online courses at Marshall University is WELL within budget, and cheaper than other alternatives. Anyone who has any qualms about course prices at MU hasn't checked other schools.
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