Can online learning bend the higher education cost curve?

Deming, David J., Goldin, Claudia, Katz, Lawrence F. and Yuchtman, Noam (2015) Can online learning bend the higher education cost curve? American Economic Review, 105 (5). pp. 496-501. ISSN 0002-8282

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Abstract

We examine whether online learning technologies have led to lower prices in higher education. Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, we show that online education is concentrated in large for-profit chains and less-selective public institutions. We find that colleges with a higher share of online students charge lower tuition prices. We present evidence of declining real and relative prices for full-time undergraduate online education from 2006 to 2013. Although the pattern of results suggests some hope that online technology can "bend the cost curve" in higher education, the impact of online learning on education quality remains uncertain.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.aeaweb.org/issues/373
Additional Information:	© 2019 American Economic Association
Divisions:	Management
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
JEL classification:	D - Microeconomics > D8 - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty > D83 - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I2 - Education > I22 - Educational Finance I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I2 - Education > I23 - Higher Education Research Institutions
Date Deposited:	04 Jan 2019 15:12
Last Modified:	16 Mar 2024 23:21
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/91510

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