School offering online degrees reduces costs to encourage students

School offering online degrees reduces costs to encourage students

Responding to tough economic times which may prevent some adults from realizing their dream of a college education, Grand Canyon University has announced it will reduce the costs of its housing and meal plans, eliminate campus parking and facilities fees and impose a tuition freeze.

The Phoenix-based school, which offers campus-based as well as online degree programs, says the reductions, along with an increase in available scholarships for transfer students, will bring the cost of earning a degree to a level that is comparable to the cost of attending a public institution.

"We recognize that families and students are struggling right now with the economic prospects of higher education," says Grand Canyon University CEO Brian Mueller.

"[Our offer shows that a] private education can be the high quality, personal and affordable solution they're seeking to pursue their academic and professional purpose," he adds.

The school's announcement may be good news to those planning to enroll in college to boost their qualifications, especially since labor market reports suggest that employment growth in the post-recessionary economy will be driven by sectors such as technology and healthcare.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, salaries for individuals with college degrees are about twice as high on average as the earnings of those with only a high school education.