Cost of University education under the weekend degree programme at Delta State University, Asaba

Salami C.G.E, Ajobo R. T

Abstract

The direct cost of higher education keep rising in the face of shrinking real budgetary allocation to education. In the absence of any documented  evidence, the study sought to determine the  cost of acquiring a degree from the Faculty of Management Sciences at Delta State University, Asaba Campus under the Weekend Degree Programme. Data for this study was collected  from a random sample of 400 final year students. Data was collected and analyzed using simple percentage frequencies due to the nature of the study. Analysis of the data show that the expenditure profile is higher among female students  while the  cost component include tuition, accommodation, feeding and transportation. The study recommends that management should consider building hostels for Weekend Degree students to reduce distractions and cost. The university is also advised to minimize upward review of fees since most students from the catchments area are from average socio-economic backgrounds.