TL;DR

Data analysis based on College Scorecard 2024 data. Analysis of online college costs compared to traditional in-person

Key Facts

Data analysis based on College Scorecard 2024 data.

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Downloads reflect the processed dataset used to generate this page’s charts and tables.

Online vs In-Person College Costs

Online programs average $10,159.20 in tuition, compared to $11,952 for traditional in-person programs.

Comparison of average tuition for online and in-person programs. Source: College Scorecard (2024 data).

FAQ

What does the Average Cost of Online College dataset measure?

It summarizes the metrics shown on this page (charts and tables) using the sources listed in the Data Sources section, with national aggregates and breakdowns where available.

What is the primary data source?

College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Some pages also incorporate Census ACS context where noted.

How often is this page updated?

Pages update when the underlying processed datasets are refreshed and the HTML is regenerated; the Last updated date reflects the most recent build.

Data Sources

College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and enrollment data
- Data year: 2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
Census ACS - U.S. Census Bureau
- Demographic and workforce data
- Data year: 2023
- Source: census.gov