How many people are attending college online? – National data on distance education at postsecondary institutions
Recently the National Center for Educational Statistics released data about distance education at degree-granting postsecondary institutions. This data is worth reviewing because we know that distance education, particularly online, is heavily utilized by adult and other part-time students – the other 85 percent.
While some still question the viability of online learning, more than two out of every three colleges and universities offer credit courses online. And over 12 million students participate in distance education courses, with 77 percent of the enrollments in online courses, 12 percent in hybrid courses, and 10 percent in other forms of distance delivery. It is interesting to note the relatively small number of enrollments in hybrid courses given the amount of attention that delivery mode receives, and the assumptions by some that the hybrid delivery mode would be preferred by both students and institutions. Approximately 1 out of 3 schools offer degree or certificate programs designed to be completed entirely online. Most online and hybrid courses are delivered asynchronously, with 75 percent of the institutions delivering online courses using this approach “to a large extent” and an additional 17 percent using it “to a moderate extent.”
These data are encouraging to see for someone who advocates for adult and part-time students. It is gratifying to see that the top two reasons that institutions offer online courses and programs are directly relevant to the other 85 percent: 68 percent of the institutions that offer online courses and programs do so because they are responding to student demands for flexible schedules, and 67 percent do so to provide access for students who would not otherwise have access.
This is not the first report that has cited growth in online offerings and enrollments, but it is an important source and very encouraging.
Mike
Share This5 Responses to “How many people are attending college online? – National data on distance education at postsecondary institutions”
Mike Offerman Says:
Mary, thanks for your post and question. This is a difficult question to answer because the real answer is “it depends.” Many employers recognize and respect degrees earned online while others do not. Here is a link to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education that references a book by pollster John Zogby who says that employers are rapidly changing to become more accepting of degrees earned online. I hope this might be useful to you in your research.
http://chronicle.com/free/2008/08/4206n.htm
Mike
NEEZYNATE Says:
Hey mike,
Great article, I completed a majority of my bachelor’s degree online at the university of colorado. The degree doesn’t state online prgram or whatnot. I appreciate the article you gave mary, as i am currently seeking a institution to finish my master’s. Here is a video i am seeking comments on to see if this would be a valuable resource.
Great stuff though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfew0YcDTo
Nate(EducationDynamics)
Charolette Says:
I have finished my BSBA – HR Management and my MBA all online and am currently working on my PhD at Capella online.
What you have to be sure of is that the school is accredited. Understand you are a part of a group of true pioneers in the online education world and go for it!
I will put my degrees up against any conventional/traditional classroom degree. If it were not for online education I would have never been able to go back to school and would not have the opportunity I have today.
Sally Says:
So what is the percent of how many students get degrees online?
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Welcome to The Other 85 Percent. So what does "the other 85 percent" refer to? Research has shown that only about 15 percent of higher education students still fit the traditional definition of young adults age 18 to 22 who live on campus and go to school full time. more
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Mary Connell Says:
I’m not sure if this is totally related to this post but I’ll take my chances. I want to change careers and online ed is really the only feasible way. Where can I find info on whether an online program’s degree is acceptable or respected in the real world? I guess that info would be related to the employment placement rates of program? I have tried contacting programs directly but the only one that would give me a straight answer was GWU.
February 15th, 2009 at 4:06 pm