Earning an advanced degree in public administration has never been easy, especially for those who have already entered the workforce. Job and family responsibilities are priorities, and taking two or more years to earn a Master of Public Administration at a brick-and-mortar university is financially unfeasible for many.
Fortunately, many young professionals are discovering the affordability and benefits of earning advanced degrees through online programs like the MPA that Lamar University offers.
Tuition Much Lower Than On-Campus Programs
According to U.S. News & World Report, tuition and fees were cited as the most important factor by 34 percent of distance education learners considering online programs in a study conducted by Aslanian Market Research and Learning House.
Consider the following costs for on-campus and online programs: The average tuition of a two-year graduate degree program at a brick-and-mortar campus can range from$60,000 to $80,000, according to an article in Peterson’s. Students can expect to pay between $8,000 and $42,000 for an online MPA program according to U.S. News & World Report.
Ways to Save With Online MPA
U.S. News & World Report suggests these three great ways online students can save on costs.
- Housing: No need for a dorm with an online MPA. For many candidates, who have career responsibilities and children, online learning is not only cost-effective, but it is the only way many can pursue an advanced degree.
- Reduced class materials cost: Many online providers often offer class materials as part of the tuition, replacing the need for expensive textbooks. If course materials need to be purchased, e-textbooks and source material rentals are often much more affordable than physical textbooks.
- Transportation costs: Parking is a pain at many university campuses. The price of a parking pass does not always ensure a parking place. Plus, there’s no gas money or car maintenance involved with an online MPA.
There are other cost savings as well. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement, helping tackle the cost of an online MPA program. Nearly a third of online graduate student respondents said they used reimbursement from an employer, according to U.S. News & World Report reporting on a 2018 survey by Aslanian Market Research and Learning.
The bottom line is that any form of education comes at a cost. It’s up to the individual to decide which costs fit their lifestyles.
With a cost under $10,000, Lamar University’s accredited online MPA program is an affordable way to earn a degree that enables graduates to find success in advanced management positions in a number of different fields such as transportation, urban planning and development, parks and recreation, public affairs, and law enforcement.
It is perfect for working professionals with a family to take their public service skills to the next level.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online MPA program.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report: 10 Low-Cost Online Colleges for Out-of-State Students
Peterson’s: Is the Cost of a Graduate Degree Worth It?
U.S. News & World Report: 3 Costs Online Education Saves Students
U.S. News & World Report: 7 Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Online Degree
U.S. News & World Report: Online Public Administration Degree: An Overview
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