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Our ever-evolving online landscape has changed and online learning has somewhat become the new normal. If you want to know how much an online high school class costs, you should know there is no definite answer to this question—because it depends on the school.
Being cost-effective is one of the most significant advantages of online learning over traditional in-person learning. The average cost of studying in a conventional private high school in the U.S. is $16,040 per year. Several factors determine the actual cost of high school education in the U.S.
How Much Does an Online High School Class Cost?
Before applying for an online high school, you should first determine the tuition fee and other fees the school charges. You should also check the different payment plans available and discounts offered by the school if there are any.
You can also look into dual enrollment options, especially if you plan to study in a reputable college or university. This option allows you to earn high school and college credits simultaneously.
Most of these options will require you to pay substantial fees. But doing some research can save you a lot of money. Below are some factors affecting the cost of online high school education.
Your Location is a Big Factor
Your location can determine how much you need to pay for an online high school class. Many states offer residents free online high school classes through local public schools.
If you reside in any of these states, you can take free online high school classes, so you don't have to spend a dime on your education. Some schools offer complete online high school programs, while others provide only select free online classes.
The Type of School
The cost of an online high school class also depends on the type of school offering it. In the U.S., there are four different types of online high schools: private, public, and college or university-sponsored. Below are descriptions of these types of schools:
Public Online High Schools: Various states and districts in the U.S. have public online high schools. These schools receive a significant amount of government funding. These schools offer free online education to resident students.
The quality of education offered by these schools is generally reasonable. These schools have regional accreditations and are approved by the states to operate. The limited courses can make it difficult to gain admission to these schools.
Charter Online High Schools: These schools are also government-funded but are considered less stable than public online high schools. This is because their funding depends on budget allocation.
Charter schools offer more flexibility in online courses and even provide individualized and personalized curricula. But if you reside outside certain school districts, you may be unable to enroll in this type of online school.
Private Online High School: Like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, private online high schools have the reputation of providing quality college preparatory education. In most cases, students can take online classes that supplement their in-person learning, which allows them to build flexible schedules while still benefiting from the social interactions of in-person education.
Private schools are open to all students regardless of where they live. These schools also offer specialized courses and programs catering to students' different interests.
College & University Sponsored Online High Schools: These schools are the perfect choice if you plan to go to college. Apart from offering high-quality education, these schools also provide opportunities for dual credit programs. But like private online high schools, tuition fees can be expensive, and admission can be competitive too.
Why are Online Classes Sometimes More Affordable?
One of the main reasons online high school classes are generally more affordable than conventional classes is that online schools don't have to spend on meals, housing, and transportation for students.
These schools also don't need to maintain facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and cafeterias. Tenure is eliminated, which further cuts the budget.
Moreover, online high school teachers do not receive research funding through tuition but from outside sources.
Most private online high schools provide scholarships to deserving students. So even if studying in these schools is expensive, scholarships can at least save many students from rash expenses.
The Final Say: How Much Do Online Classes Cost?
While many private schools offer high-quality education, it's not wise to judge a school based on how much it charges. Whether you're planning to go to a public or private school, you need to look into several factors, such as the admission rate, graduation rate, and the employment status of graduates.
You should also do some research on the accreditation level of the school. It's also a good idea to do a background check on the school's faculty members. If you can, talk to other people who have completed an online course from the school you're planning to go to.
St. John Bosco High School offers flexible and affordable online learning opportunities for Bosco and non-Bosco students and international students. An online class in Health, for example, will cost you $500 if you take it during the summer. Make sure to reach out to us to learn more about your online high school class options.