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Gas Prices Drive Students to Online Courses Save Email Print
Posted: 7:46 PM Jul 23, 2008
Last Updated: 7:52 PM Jul 23, 2008
Reporter: Bill Murray
Email Address: bill.murray@wsaz.com

A | A | A

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.

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Posted by: AFan on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM
If Anon can drive to campus for less than $150 during the course of a semester - I want one of what he's driving!

Posted by: Amy on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:14 PM
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.

Posted by: Angie on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:43 AM
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.

Posted by: MUFan on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Anon is right in that online courses are beyond regular tuition. However, for students taking one or two classes, online courses can offer significant savings.

Posted by: College on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Online courses are truly a benefit for working professionals and those who cannot afford to drive to a major campus. As anon pointed out, their cost is independent of regular tuition meaning full-time students would pay more for the courses, but those who are taking 3-4 courses per semester REALLY do save money by taking courses online. Please anon be sure to get all the facts straight before posting.... it may be cheaper for you to drive, but that sounds like you are then a full-time student who is already on campus, so why would you want to take an online course?

Posted by: anon on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Online courses can be more expensive than driving. At Marshall University, online courses does not count as part of the tuition. The online courses are extra. For example, if you are full time and tuition is $2000 and you decide to take one online course that is 3 credit hours, you would pay over $170 per credit hour extra. So on course would be $510. It is cheaper to drive.

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