In recent weeks I've come across three new business and packaging models for education. These somehow benefit the schools financially, I must believe, but also offer the student yet another way to arrange learning on the calendar. What strikes me is the variety of offerings. I expect that in time, no matter how you want to arrange your study, there will be a school that will offer a package to fit your needs. So, what are some of these new models?
New Charter University
New Charter University, an online school has an "all you can eat" policy for courses. You can take as many as you want for a flat fee as low as $796 per term ($199/mo). Course material (texts) are included and there's even a try before you buy option. The school focuses on competency, meaning if you show you know the material, even before you take the course, you can place out.
- Chronicle of Higher Ed
New England College
New England College is a small liberal arts school in Henniker, NH. This fall the school plans to launch an online liberal arts BA program. (The school already offers AA, BA and MBA in business and selected areas.) The twist? The school will offer seven seven week terms. The courses are indeed compressed, but if you take one at a time, that's seven courses a year! How that will work for students and faculty, let alone financial aid, I'm not sure. But I love the innovation! There's not much published about this degree, save in the school's job openings.
Hartwick College
Hartwick College is a small liberal arts school in upstate New York. Selected students (with good grades and motivation) can opt to finish their entire program in three years (at the same cost per year as for four years). Even better: there's no requirement for summer study! For now only a small proportion of students opt for that experience, but they are doing quite well per the school president.
- American RadioWorks podcast