We count 14 state universities plus Penn State with is nineteen satellite campuses. This is without including the state sponsored colleges that may not all be relevant for our purposes below.
Is there any reason why Economics 1A (and most other introductory courses) need to be taught by 34 professors, often several times a day, in 34 locations? Could not the best professor be teaching at his or her university with the lecture made available in class rooms at all other 33 locations as well as via the Internet?
Advantages would be the availability of the lectures for later viewing. A transcript could also be provided to assist the hearing impaired and those who learn better by reading.
Could not students submit their questions via twitter or e-mail to be answered at a later time?
As is usually the situation at universities, students at each campus would also meet in classes with teaching assistants, usually graduate students, to further discuss the subject.
Millersville University saved $200,000 by cancelling the men’s track team. Millersville could save millions at Millersville if many of the classes were pooled among all of the state universities.
That would be just the beginning of economies that can be achieved from transitioning from an educational system created to serve during the Middle Ages to one that utilizes modern abilities to communicate.
Besides online classes, some other ways to reduce college costs that quickly come to mind in no particular order are:
1. Consider a community college, which are the lowest in price followed by state colleges, and transfer into a four year school after the first two years.
2. During semester breaks and the summer take as many credits as permissible at a local community college or state college/university for transfer back to one’s regular college/university. Generally there is more flexibility regarding courses outside the major.
3. Take more than the standard load of credits during regular semesters. Generally pricing is based on a standard load.
4. Try to graduate in less than four years. Each semester early saves housing, fees and likely some tuition. In addition to taking above the standard load in regular semesters, attendance for one or more summers or Winter sessions at one’s regular college/university is a way to accelerate completion of required credits.
5. Seek paid internships, especially for the summer, which bear credits.