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Online Degree Programs and Distance Learning Increasing With the Price of Gas

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 June 2008, 00:00 CDT

Degree.com, a website focusing on online degree programs and distance learning education, had 38 percent more visitors during April-May 2008 compared to February-March 2008, after adjusting for seasonal differences. In an informal survey of site visitors, the #1 reason for being interested in an online degree was "higher gas prices," cited by 60 percent of those responding in May 2008. Other reasons given were convenience, parking, scheduling, babysitting and the cost of classes (http://www.degree.com).

In a comparable 2007 survey of visitors to Degree.com, the number 1 reason for interest in an online degree was "convenience," with gas prices not even mentioned when the top five reasons were compiled. The surveys used a fill-in-the-blanks format rather than multiple choice, to increase the reliability of respondents' answers.

"Gas is costing people upwards of $1000 a month," says Sheila Danzig, who runs the Degree.com site. "And students are the last group who can afford that. Taking classes at home and other distance learning options allow students to avoid spending limited funds on gas and to have more time for a part-time job that helps pay the tuition bill. For the adult learner, online degree programs provide a perfect answer to a scarcity of time and resources, particularly for those who also work and have a family."

Degree.com offers descriptions of dozens of accredited online degree programs in subjects ranging from art to nursing to business, along with the opportunity to request more information directly from each school. In response to the steep rise of interest in online higher education, the site has launched a blog at http://www.degree.com/blog on which it welcomes comments and questions from those exploring Internet-based college and university programs.

For free information about online degree programs and online programs for associates, bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees, or to share experiences of distance learning programs, go to http://www.degree.com.

Source: Business Wire

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