Cost Of A Custom Corporate eLearning Program [2021]

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Our team is asked every day, “How much would an eLearning program cost?” It’s not easy to give just one answer.

Many factors can affect the price of eLearning modules, from creating the content to the user’s level of interactions. Then, you have to consider the number of modules and how you track your employees’ progress.

In this article, we will review the cost range of custom eLearning modules and break down the factors that could change your price.

*Cost ranges are general estimates; each training program is unique and costs can vary. Please seek a professional quote for more specific and reliable costs.

 

What Is eLearning?

eLearning is a broad term used to describe the delivery of training materials through electronic and digital resources. eLearning training content can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including interactive modules, videos, podcasts, slideshows, documents, webinars, and more. eLearning can be hosted online or through a local network and commonly uses a Learning Management System (LMS). 

When developing an eLearning program, there are two routes an organization can take: custom content or off-the-shelf content. Custom-built eLearning content typically gives organizations more control over the branding, content, and look of the program. Off-the-shelf eLearning content sacrifices customization and is better suited for organizations training on common topics, such as team building and management skills.

Read More: 4 Benefits Of A Custom Training Program

Custom content is beneficial for the following 4 reasons:

• Custom content addresses an organization’s specific business challenges.
• Creating custom content is a time-efficient way to close the gap between where your learners are and where they need to be.
• Custom content caters to a wide variety of learning styles.
• Custom training maximizes the return on investment (ROI) through higher knowledge retention.

Now that we know the benefits of custom content, let’s break down the costs of a custom eLearning program.

 

How Much Does eLearning Cost?

A corporate eLearning program typically costs between $200 and $900 for every minute of completed eLearning content. 

This may seem like a wide price range, and that’s because there are many factors that can affect the price of your eLearning program. These factors include:

• Which eLearning level you choose (Level 1, 2, or 3)
• Whether your eLearning has professional voiceover
• How many minutes and modules of eLearning you want
• How much information is provided for the instructional design team
• What LMS you choose

Now let’s break down how each of these factors will affect the price of your program.

 

Which eLearning level you choose (Level 1, 2, or 3)

At Roundtable, we offer three service levels of eLearning that differ in price and offerings. 

• Level 1 — $200 – $650 per minute: Level 1 eLearning provides a quick (up to 4 weeks for 15 minutes of content) and economic way to convey learning content with basic features, including client branding, standard knowledge checks, embedded videos, and more. 
• Level 2 — $350 – $750 per minute: Level 2 eLearning takes up to 6 weeks to develop 15 minutes of content and includes every feature of level 1, plus additional capabilities, including professional audio narration, stock graphics, animated video, and more. 
• Level 3 — $450 – $900 per minute: Level 3 eLearning takes the longest time to develop (up to 10 weeks for 15 minutes of content) and is the most customizable option that offers every feature of levels 1 and 2 plus additional capabilities, including custom graphics and animations, animated video, a custom user interface, and more. 

Regardless of what service level your organization selects, our team of expert instructional designers, video editors, graphic designers, and project managers will develop a custom eLearning program that achieves your learning goals. 

 

Whether your eLearning has professional voiceover

Voiceover (VO) is another element of eLearning that varies in cost. When building an eLearning program, organizations have the option of whether or not to incorporate VO into their program. If they choose to use VO, they can use auto generated VO or professional VO talent. 

VO costs are highly circumstantial and based on whether an organization decides to use auto generated VO or hire talent, as well as the duration of the program. Typically the longer the VO, the higher the price. 

• Auto Generated VO — Auto generated VO uses a computer-generated voice. Think of a text-to-speech (TTS) software. 
• VO Talent — VO talent uses a professional voice actor. VO talent is typically considered more expressive and emotional than auto generated VO.  

Read More: Man Vs. Machine For Voice Over In eLearning, Part 1

 

How many minutes and modules of eLearning you want

The length and number of modules that you want will affect the cost of your program. Depending on the service level of your program, the price can range anywhere from $200-$900 per minute. 

Typically, the more minutes the program is, the higher the overall cost. The same goes for the number of modules. 

Although you may encounter higher upfront costs for eLearning, a major benefit is that once a program is created, it’s created. Many eLearning programs make the high upfront cost worth it in the long run because the same program can be used over and over again for as long as an organization would like. 

 

How much information is provided for the instructional design team

Providing information to your learning partner’s instructional design team will help reduce the time it takes to build the program. The more information you provide, the less time it will take to develop the content. 

For example, your organization may already have a downloadable guide that identifies various parts of machinery. Instructional designers can be given this material and repurpose it in the form of an interactive eLearning module. This helps cut back on the time needed to build the content, likely lowering the overall cost of the program. 

The more information you provide your learning partner with, the less time it will take them to build the content. Information could include:

• Previously used PowerPoints
• How-To Guides
• Infographics

 

What LMS you choose

An eLearning program is typically hosted on a LMS that helps organizations manage and track learners’ progress. There are many choices for a LMS depending on your program’s needs.

Several LMS functionalities can affect the price, including:

• The number of learners an organization has
• The number of uses per learner
• The number of courses an organization needs to manage
• Licensing fees

The most common LMS pricing model is based on the number of users. It could cost $.50 – $5.00 per user depending on the number of users participating in the course. 

 

Pros And Cons Of eLearning

Pros

• Cost-Effective – Many eLearning programs have an initial start-up cost, but you can increase your ROI rather quickly when you run more learners through an eLearning program.
• Time Efficient – Employees can take part in eLearning when it’s convenient for them, including after hours, weekends, or even between meetings. In addition, instructors can create content on their own schedule and post it to your eLearning platform.
• Facilitated From Anywhere – Whether you are utilizing a synchronous or asynchronous style, a major advantage of eLearning is that you can utilize platforms from anywhere.

Read More: eLearning vs. ILT: What’s Better For Me?

Cons

• Isolation – Not everyone learns best in front of a screen, as some learners thrive off of face-to-face interactions with their peers and instructors. Some learners can find online learning to be isolating and lonely.
• Self-Pacing Requires Self-Discipline – When you have a self-paced eLearning platform, it may be difficult to motivate your learners to log in and finish their program. Learners can be motivated by instituting deadlines, offering rewards, adding gamification, and utilizing engaging content.
• Technology Troubleshooting – Whether it’s remembering your password or just navigating to the right place, some people are not comfortable using technology.

 

Is eLearning Worth The Cost?

So, there you have it – average costs for corporate eLearning. When you consider the length, customization, and software eLearning content can cost between $200 and $900 for every minute of completed eLearning content. 

It’s important to remember that based on your vendor, content, and scale, these prices will vary. Keep in mind that when you are looking to invest in eLearning, it’s best to work with your vendor to optimize your budget for your program’s learning objectives. 

Want to talk about the specifics of your project or check out more about eLearning? Let’s discuss it, and we’ll get you a professional quote. 

*Cost ranges are general estimates; each training program is unique and costs can vary. Please seek a professional quote for more specific and reliable costs.