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  3. American Economic Review
  4. May 2014
  5. The Economics of Online Postsecondary Education: MOOCs, Nonselective Education, and Highly Selective Education

The Economics of Online Postsecondary Education: MOOCs, Nonselective Education, and Highly Selective Education

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Abstract

I consider economically sustainable online postsecondary education, including massive open online courses (MOOCs). The analysis suggests that MOOCs will be financially sustainable substitutes for some non-selective postsecondary education, but there are substantial risks. The analysis suggests that MOOCs will be financially sustainable substitutes for only a small share of highly selective postsecondary education (HSPE) and are likely to collapse the economic model that allows HSPE institutions to invest in advanced education and research. I outline a non-MOOC model of online education that may allow HSPE institutions to sustain their distinctive activities and to reach a larger number of students.

Citation

Hoxby, Caroline M. 2014. "The Economics of Online Postsecondary Education: MOOCs, Nonselective Education, and Highly Selective Education." American Economic Review, 104 (5): 528-33. DOI: 10.1257/aer.104.5.528

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JEL Classification

  • I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions