e-Learning Pundit

State Colleges and Universities

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system celebrates its 100,000th online student.

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Tuition

Here is a brief example of tuition increases over the long term.

. . . In the past 30 years, the average cost of tuition and fees at an Iowa public university has jumped 707 percent, more than four times the rate of inflation. College costs have increased each of the past 30 years for students and their families. . .

Meanwhile, federal minimum wage increased only 140 percent during the same period.

State Colleges and Universities, Community and Technical Colleges, Tuition

Those tuition discounts for online-only, out-of-state students attending New Mexico colleges and universities, and who take less than 6 semester hours, are ending.

. . . Out-of-state residents who enroll at UNM as part-time students are allowed to attend classes at in-state rates through the state-paid waiver program. About 290 students take advantage of that program, out of 4,500 grad students enrolled this semester, according to UNM.

The Legislature this year recommended ending the tuition discount because it was also going to students around the country who take online courses at New Mexico colleges at a discounted rate without ever coming to the state. . .

Terrible news. This measure is bound to affect a large number of students, and not just 290 or so at University of New Mexico. For example, New Mexico State University operates a huge distance learning program. Clovis Community College, known as an outright bargain in many circles, attracts a sizable number of non-resident, online learners based on price alone.

Quote of the Month: “It does not matter so much HOW your degree was earned; it matters more WHERE it was earned.”, Ms. Vicky Phillips, Chief Online Education Analyst, GetEducated.com, in response to this recent report on WACH-TV in Columbia, SC.

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Texas Governor Rick Perry calls for $10,000 bachelor’s degrees.  But, given state budget constraints throughout the USA, is such a bold request even feasible in this day and age?  Savvy, cost-conscious distance learners may have more insight.  Additional coverage here, and much more on this subject a bit later.

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Washington Post columnist Ezra Klein: “Is College Always Worth It“?  He asks some good questions. Very much worth a look.

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Advertisement – E-learning on-the-go with CLEAR Internet in Washington.

Despite all the talk about budget deficits, North Dakota residents older than 55 years old might be able to take advantage of free college classes in the near future.  Unfortunately, however, these proposed tuition breaks are only available for campus-based courses, and not at a distance.  Still, not a bad deal, if approved.  Stay tuned.

The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University offers two low-cost, online continuing education courses aimed at realtors.  More info here.

U.S. News & World Report: “Your Professor, Your Computer, and You“.

Here’s info about a Beer 101 online course from the Brewer’s Association.  Cost=$15.

Liverpool Hope University (UK) graduates its first Beatles scholar.

Attention Texas Math and Science Teachers! Texas Tech University offers free graduate degrees for qualified candidates.  Except for two summer sessions, classes are conducted online.  Money quote:

…The program began in December 2008, funded from a $3 million grant. It’s now in its third term and needs up to 100 teachers. A grant covers tuition and fees, a laptop and housing for each participant…

Wonderful opportunity, to say the least.

A survey for interested readers from the Boise State University student newspaper: Arbiter Asks: Have you ever cheated online?

Hackathons and free, open-source distance learning through P2PU/Mozilla School of Webcraft should produce a few unique outcomes.  Sounds groovy.  Also looks like a good opportunity to learn cool web development skills.  One course is en Español.

An opinion piece in a Tallahassee (FL) newspaper reasons “tuition must rise” at Florida State University.  When and where will these tuition hikes end?  Meanwhile, the topic of market-rate tuition materializes not only at FSU, but also Florida A&M University.

A University of Colorado student protests high out-of-state tuition costs.

Viewer comments on the YouTube page are fairly interesting, as well.

Uh oh.  According to this report in the Gainesville (FL) Sun, University of Florida may begin charging ‘market rate’ in certain programs, including those offered online.

Mashable: “100+ Online Resources That Are Transforming Education“.

University of Wisconsin System develops a new website specifically promoting its online programs.  More university systems really should follow suit.  

A true hot-button issue: “California court rules illegal immigrants can pay in-state tuition“.

Will tuition increase at University of Florida?

University of Missouri reorganizes its distance learning programs.

In a scathing essay, Alan Singer blasts Kaplan University and University of Phoenix.

Almost all of Kaplan’s customers take online courses of dubious quality…

Ouch!

Western Governors University-Indiana enrollment reaches 500 students.  That’s 225 more in just three months.

SayCampusLife reviews “Online Education for Dummies“.

NJ.com: “Tuition hikes outpace inflation for all N.J. 4-year colleges“.  Will the average student ever catch a break?