Final answer:
Online degree programs do affect traditional colleges and universities with a decline in enrollment, especially given the rising cost of attending college and the financial considerations of students and families.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, online degree programs can adversely affect traditional colleges and universities that are already facing an enrollment decline. This phenomenon was exacerbated during the pandemic when overall college enrollment dipped significantly, as reported by the EdSurge article by Rebecca Koenig in 2020. Many students and families re-evaluated the value of expensive college educations against their alternatives, such as online programs, particularly as the cost of obtaining a traditional college degree has risen sharply.
With the reduction of services like those faced by California schools and public universities during past economic downturns, and the pressure of rising tuition and student loan debts, students today are looking for more accessible and flexible education options.
Furthermore, the high school graduates' financial reality that more than 100,000 students who can attend college can't afford it highlights the appeal of more cost-effective online education. The online education model offers broader access and can help mitigate issues such as overcrowded classrooms and outdated curricula. Still, it also poses a real challenge to traditional institutions that rely on full campuses and tuition for financial stability.