University reduces tuition, touts benefits of online education

University reduces tuition, touts benefits of online education

In addition to low cost, online education is also characterized by greater discipline and the lack of distractions of traditional campus life, officials from Andrew Jackson University (AJU) have said.

The accredited school offers 11 online degrees and has reduced tuition in its sponsored programs to less than fifty dollars per credit hour, which may appeal particularly to working adults seeking to enhance their education.

University officials say that the school decided against spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on marketing and advertising, and instead cut the cost of education "to the bone."

"We are a low-cost, high-convenience [university]," says AJU president Don Kassner, adding, "No football teams or beer-soaked frat parties at AJU. Just rigorous online degree programs for those who want the sheepskin but don't want to pay for the sheepherder's luxury ranch and private plane."

He also reveals the university is considering offering a program where students would pay a flat monthly fee for all the courses they can handle.

As the majority of high-paying jobs in the years to come will require at least a bachelors degree, working adults may consider enrolling in convenient online programs to boost their skills.

The popularity of online education is demonstrated by the fact that enrollment is expected to grow by about 18 percent in 2010, according to analyst Gerry DiGiusto of Eduventures, a higher education research and consulting firm, quoted by Reuters.