The Expense of Education

Like many other universities, Concordia offers several courses on line in conjunction with face-to-face classes. Concordia also offers one degree entirely on line. And Capella University, a Minneapolis-based online university, serves more than 16,000 students completely over the Internet (and is also accredited through the Higher Learning Commission). Although some are skeptical about such programs, many see it as a delivery method that—when applied correctly and used by the right set of students—can be very effective.

“It seems that the public gets this image that online education is as easy as getting out of bed and turning on your computer, but that’s not the case,” Seiler says. “It can be as rigorous, or even more rigorous, than regular class work.”

Carlson agrees that it only makes sense to offer online classes. But she doesn’t believe that the Carlson School will ever offer a degree that is earned solely on line. “I think a blended format is the most desirable solution,” she says. “It’s important because our students need that flexibility, but I don’t think you’ll ever see a completely online program [at Carlson School of Management]. Some [people] need the stimulation of the classroom.”

Reality of Results

The key when evaluating educational options—whether classroom based or on line—is to measure the results. Although it can be challenging to set up an actual metrics system, it’s useful to establish a reporting system that al-lows employees to demonstrate what they’ve learned and how it’s impacted their jobs.

“Employers should challenge the students to come back with something useful from their coursework,” Carlson says. “They should sit down once a quarter and talk about how they can use what they’re learning in their particular unit or across the organization. How can they bring it alive in the organization?”

Seiler, who is in the process of launching an online MBA program, says that prospective buyers should compare outcomes of online learning and face-to-face learning in terms of new knowledge and skills the employee brings back to the company. “If the outcomes are the same, then you can be comfortable with the online program,” he says.

The final evaluation, Brennan suggests, should be whether or not a program produces relevant results. Ultimately, employers must determine what kind of end result is desired when offering tuition reimbursement. He adds: “The bottom line is: Is it meeting the needs of the students and of the organization?”