Cost continues to be one of students’ biggest concerns when it comes to making decisions about online education, according to a new survey about the state of online learning.

Surveyed students said cost estimates, finding funding sources, and navigating the financial aid process is confusing and challenging.

Seventy-two percent of students said job and employments goals are the primary drivers of their enrollment, including transitioning to a new career field (36 percent) and earning academic credentials in a current field of work (32 percent).

The 2017 Online Education Trends Report from BestColleges.com surveyed more than 300 school administrators and 1,500 students to gain information about current experiences in online education.

Next page: Why did students select their specific online education program?

About the Author:

Laura Ascione

Laura Ascione is the Managing Editor, Content Services at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism. When she isn't wrangling her two children, Laura enjoys running, photography, home improvement, and rooting for the Terps. Find Laura on Twitter: @eSN_Laura http://twitter.com/eSN_Laura

Add your opinion to the discussion.