Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Alexandra Markin
The allure of getting a degree wherever and whenever it works for you has risen in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. But beneath the surface of this seemingly cost-effective option, the hidden costs of online college always take students by surprise.
As an online Bachelor of Commerce student, I’ve experienced all the fees new students often overlook.
Paying to write your invigilated exam, software subscription costs required to complete a course and yes, even paying a fee to graduate.
In this post I delve into the lesser-know costs associated with pursuing higher eduction online, helping you understand what to expect so you can properly plan for these expenses.
So whether you’re considering enrolling in a distance learning program or currently navigating online classes, read on to plan for financial and academic success.
The Hidden Costs of Online College
The bulk of the cost in online university is charged per credit. However, there are many other fees that get tacked onto each course, as well as numerous other costs that occur during your studies.
For example, below is the fee breakdown from my 3 credit, Mathematics for Computing Science (MATH 1651) course:
| ITEM DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT | EXPLANATION |
| Tuition – Undergraduate | $636.57 | Tuition for this undergraduate level course ($212.19 per credit) |
| Open Learning Admin Fees | $102.88 | Set amount per course to cover administration fees |
| Open Learning Materials | $238.88 | Custom publication print textbook created especially for this course |
| Shipping & Handling Fee | $21.00 | Cost for shipping the custom textbook to my home |
| Open Learning Tech Fee | $20.37 | Cost to cover technology resources ($6.79 per credit) |
| TOTAL | $1,019.70 |
As you can see, the cost of an online course is much more than the base tuition amount of $636.57.
However, despite all the “extra” fees that college entails, I’m grateful for all the advantages online learning offers while I pursue my undergraduate degree from anywhere in the world I chose to travel.
1. Computing Hardware
This one may seem obvious, but you’ll need a decent working laptop or desktop computer to take online courses.
You can’t do an online degree with just a smartphone or tablet.
Because I travel frequently, I only use a laptop: a 13″ MacBook Air.
Mouse and Keyboard
A desktop computer means you’ll need a mouse and keyboard.
Even if you have a laptop, most students prefer to use an external keyboard and mouse as it’s more convenient.
Laptop or Monitor Riser
A laptop or monitor riser is essential in preventing neck strain when you’re studying in front of your screen for hours on end.
Proper ergonomics is important and part of staying healthy as an online student.
Webcam
Most online exams are proctored, which means you’ll be supervised by a third party service (like ProctorU) through your computer’s webcam. They also need to hear you, so your speakers will have to work properly as well.
If your computer doesn’t have a built in camera, you’ll need to purchase an external webcam.
iPad or Tablet
Although not required, my iPad has been a huge compliment to online learning. Since graduating from using physical to digital textbooks, I use my iPad to read my textbook and make highlights, markups and notes using the Bookshelf app.
Many students like using iPads to take digital notes. To do this, you’ll need a note-taking app such as Goodnotes or Notability. While both offer free plans, you may need a paid subscription depending on the features you need. While their prices are reasonable, it’s still a hidden cost of online college you may not have considered.
2. Internet Costs
Distance learning wouldn’t exist without the internet. A basic internet plan from your home wireless provider is usually all you need.
However, if you’re using Wifi instead of a direct corded connection, you may experience areas in your house that have a weak signal. If this is the case, you’ll need a Wifi extender from your service provider, which they usually charge for monthly. Or, you can order one on Amazon.
If you are using Wifi, make sure you have the correct cable on hand to directly plug into your modem should you ever need to – like when your Wifi decides to go down when you’re about to take an exam or submit your assignment on time.
3. Comfortable Headphones
When you spend hours listening to pre-recorded lectures or instructional YouTube videos, comfortable headphones become an essential.
I tried the corded in-ear buds that come with the iPhone, and they aren’t comfortable.
Investing in over-ear headphones will make getting your degree much more bearable.
4. Stationary and Supplies
Online students need just as many school supplies as on-campus students.
From pens, highlighters, binders, paper and pencils, the cost of consumable stationary adds up.
If you’re new to distance learning, check out the post The Essential School Supply List for Online College to make sure you’re prepared and organized.
5. Printing Fees
Just because you’re taking “online” courses doesn’t mean your learning will be paperless. Quite the opposite, actually.
Many students prefer to proofread their essays on paper than on screen. This means you’ll need a reliable printer, and of course, the never-ending ink problem.
Save yourself time and money with HP Instant Ink. It’s a subscription service that remotely monitors your printer ink levels, sending ink directly to your home before you need it! If you’re doing a lot of printing I highly recommend it. Read my full review here: Is HP Instant Ink Worth it for Students?
In my Statistics for Business and Economics II course, I had to print out 13 pages of formulas, t distribution and chi-square distribution tables we were permitted to bring into the midterm and final exam.
If you don’t print them they were provided within the online exam; however, you’ll waste a lot of your exam time scrolling back and forth.
6. Textbooks and Materials
Aside from paying tuition per credit, you’ll also need to purchase textbooks. Some online colleges offer the digital version and others a physical copy.
Many courses require other materials as well, such specific calculators for mathematics courses, which is why I’ve ended up with four of them.
7. Shipping and Handling Fees
If you opt to purchase a physical textbook form your college, you’ll pay shipping and handling costs to have it sent to your home.
8. Travel Study Supplies
I chose to do my degree online so I could fully indulge in one of my life passions: travel.
Even if you only travel once or twice a year or plan to do a lot of study at the library or a cafe, you’ll need to invest in travel appropriate study supplies.
I never access the internet without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), especially when using Wifi outside my home. I highly recommend a NordVPN subscription to keep your online privacy safe and secure. If you’re unfamiliar with VPN’s or how it will benefit you as a student, see my post Why Every Online Student Needs a VPN.
Online students need a backpack or proper study tote to haul around study supplies, which surprisingly amount to a lot!
My essentials are:
- Travel laptop riser
- Backpack – I love the Beis Expandable Backpack
- Extra charging cables
- Charger carrying case
For a full list of my recommended backpack supplies, see the post 28 Essentials All Students Need in Their College Backpack and never be caught unprepared.
9. Software and Subscription Fees
Once in a while, you may be required to purchase software or a subscription in order to complete the course.
In my Introduction to French I course, I had to purchase a one-year Speexx subscription in order to learn some of the course material.
10. Childcare
This can be a huge hidden cost of attending online college. Depending on your situation, you may need to hire a babysitter or pay for childcare while you finish your degree.
A major benefit to distance learning is being able to study when it suits your schedule. But not everyone is able to study while their children nap or after they have gone to bed.
11. Extended Health and Dental Benefits
Unlike on-campus students who pay a set amount for tuition which include benefits per semester, online students with course-by-course tuition have to pay separately for extended health and dental benefits.
Contact your college for more details. Usually health and dental benefits are administered by the student union, and I’ve paid anywhere from $280 to $1,500 annually.
12. Application Fee
Every university charges a non-refundable, general application fee when applying to become a student, and the cost varies widely.
This fee covers the university’s administration costs of reviewing applications and making admission decisions.
13. Transfer Credit Processing Fees
If you’ve got courses that you’re transferring from another university or college, you’ll need to pay a fee have your prior courses evaluated.
It’s a lump sum and usually includes courses you need assessed from multiple colleges.
14. Transcript Fees
Aside from the transfer credit processing fee, you’ll need to pay for individual, official transcripts to be send to the university that’s assessing your courses.
Copies of transcripts you can download from your student portal yourself are not acceptable.
15. Credit Card Processing Fee
If you have the option to pay tuition with your credit card, you may be charged a fee for the convenience of this service. It’s not much (usually around $20), but still something to be aware of.
See also: 12 Essential Credit Card Tips for University Students.
16. International Student Fees
If you’re want to study at a university in a country you don’t live in, you’ll be charged international student fees. These can be quite hefty, so make sure the cost is worth it when researching colleges.
17. Out of State Fees
Similar to international student fees (but much less expensive), if you choose an online degree program in a different state or province other than your home address, you’ll most likely be charged a non-resident fee. This fee can be a set lump sum amount or build into the cost of tuition.
For example, say you live in Colorado, USA and want to get your degree at The University of Florida Online. Since you don’t actually live in Florida, you’ll pay a higher cost of tuition and it’s quite a hefty amount.
| UF Online Tuition for Florida Residents | UF Online Tuition for Non-Florida Residents |
| $129.18 | $552.62 |
Out of state/province fees can really add up. If you’re on a tight budget, carefully consider whether you really want to attend a college further from home.
18. Program Plan Fees
If you’re enrolled in a certificate, diploma or degree program, you’ll need to pay a fee to have your program plan designed. This is where the college tells you exactly what courses you’ll need to take to complete your program. They’ll go over required courses, and help you choose electives that count toward your program.
19. Administration Fees
For every single course you take, you’ll pay a flat administration fee to cover the administration cost of enrolling and registering students.
20. Technology Fee
Just for us online students, every single course also charges a flat rate technology fee. This covers the cost to maintain online learning platforms, server storage, etc.
21. Course Extension Fee
Self-directed courses have a contract period – the length of time allowed to complete your course. If you need more time, you’re able to pay a fee to literally buy yourself more time.
22. Proctoring Fees
Most online exams you write will be invigilated, which means that an appointed 3rd party service will be supervising you remotely while you write from the comfort of you own home.
And yes, you have to pay for every exam you write.
23. Graduation Fees
After all the tuition and fees you pay, you’ll need to pay the final fee to graduate, whether you choose to walk across the stage or not.
If you do choose to attend convocation, you’ll have to pay for your cap and gown, and hotels and travel costs if you don’t live near your college.
See also: Do Online Colleges Have Graduation Ceremonies? for the answers to all your questions!
Hidden Costs of Online College – Wrap Up
Phew. That was a long list. There are a lot of hidden costs of online college you need to consider before you jump into going back to school.
If you found this post helpful, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!
What was your experience with hidden fees during your time as an online student? Share your stories below!
