A Quick Look at the Hidden Costs of a College Education

Let’s face it, folks: for most people, college is a really bad investment. That’s why I’m constantly harping on the high cost of college and the importance of ensuring — before you commit to higher education — that the degree you’re chasing will secure a career that guarantees an adequate return on your investment. With few exceptions today, that means one of the so-called STEM-based degrees: science, technology, engineering or math.

Of course, I’m not advocating that everybody skip college. I’m just saying college isn’t for everyone. And for those who have carefully thought things through and determined that their long and winding road to ultimate career- and financial-success travels through a university, the trick is in keeping higher education costs as low as possible.

Ah, yes. It all sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Especially if you think the cost problem can be solved by simply attending college online.

There’s a catch, though: Some students choose online college to save on tuition, books and residential fees — but there are often hidden costs that drive up the expense of a long-distance education.

Truth be told, there are buried costs in both online and traditional institutions. And to illustrate the point, AffordableSchools.net recently put together the following infographic that explores this in a little more detail. Check it out:

Photo Credit: postgradproblems.com; Infographic: AffordableSchools.net