The recent turbulent economy has forced many people to pursue a degree in order to update their credentials and to give them better opportunities in the workplace. For some schools, online options are becoming increasingly more attractive, as these offerings can enable them to handle increases in enrollment.
For example, spring enrollment at the University of Texas (UT) at Arlington has hit an all-time high, according to the school’s website.
Officials said that the new record could be attributed to improved recruitment and retention of students as well as the expansion of online degree programs. They added that spring semester enrollment is traditionally lower than that of the fall. But, the school’s Colleges of Nursing as well as Education and Health Professions have helped the school maintain its high numbers.
“More students and families are aware of UT Arlington’s reputation as a comprehensive university with a strong research program, a vibrant campus life and an exceptional education at a reasonable price,” James Spaniolo, president of the school, quoted on the website. “We remain committed to improving the quality of our academic programs, both in traditional classroom settings and through an array of online courses designed to deliver education where people live and work.”
Officials noted that enrollment in nursing programs currently stands at more than 6,600 students, which is an increase of 1,600 learners from last fall.
Furthermore, the College of Education and Health professions now enrolls 3,700 students, which is up from 3,300 from the fall semester.
Online courses attributed to school success in enrollment
Likewise, Calhoun Community College recently announced that it has reached a record-high in enrollment for the spring semester, The Athens News-Courier reports.
Officials told the news source that student enrollment has increased 7.5 percent in the since last year. The school now has nearly 12,000 individuals taking classes at their institution.
One of the biggest increases comes from the school’s distance education program, which currently enrolls 1,145 students in online courses. Meanwhile, 5,463 individuals are taking courses at the Decatur campus, while another 4,528 are at the Huntsville Cummings Research Park campus.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to reach an increasing number of students through our academic and technology programs here at Calhoun,” Marilyn Beck, president of the school, told the news source.
According to the 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning, an estimated 30 percent of all college and university students now take at least one web-based course.
Student retention and online course help school set enrollment record
Finally, Adams State College (ASC) recorded its largest spring semester enrollment numbers in 10 years, the Alamosa News reports.
The school experienced a big increase in students taking online courses. Nearly, 648 undergraduates are enrolled in web-based degree programs, which translates to a 25 percent increase over last year.
Overall, the school’s total enrollment sits at 3,421, which represents an increase of 7.2 percent over last spring. Student retention from the fall to spring semester has grown by 4 percent over the last three years.
Officials told the news source that graduate student enrollment growth of 2.5 percent continues to be driven by online master’s programs. Masters in business administration (MBA) and counselor education are among the most sought-after postsecondary curricula at the school. The number of students in the school’s MBA program has increased by 70 percent since last year.
“I think all of these developments show that students from across Colorado and around the Southwest are now seeing the great opportunities available to them at ASC,” Michael Mumper, senior vice president for enrollment management and program development, told the news source.
For more on nursing programs visit onlinenursinggradtuate.com.
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Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy recently announced a new plan to merge the state's university and community college systems with the region's online colleges under a single governing board, The Connecticut Mirror reports.
The proposal would bring oversight of the Connecticut State University Systems' four regional universities, the 12 state-funded community colleges and Charter Oak State College under the existing Department of Higher Education. These institutions will also be part of the newly-created Board of Regents.
The proposals aim to decrease costs against the state budget and to increase enrollment at both traditional and online schools in the region. Officials added that these restructurings are becoming more popular because they can minimize wasteful spending in higher education and reorganize how students transfer from one institution to another.
"We have to push forward with these consolidations," Malloy told the news provider. "We have got to make them work. They have to lead to a creation of efficiencies."
According to a 2009 Reuters report, the online education industry grew by 17 percent. Furthermore, the sector had been growing at a rate of approximately 20 percent annually in previous years.
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Across the U.S., many schools are reporting increased enrollment. The turbulent economy coupled with a growing number of online learning opportunities has prompted many individuals who were previously on the fence about returning to school to seek a degree.
Spartanburg Community College enrolled more than 1,000 new students between 2008 and 2009, reports the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.
College officials told the news source that overall enrollment at the school has increased by 22 percent, and that the institution recently earned the honor of the 15th fastest growing school among nearly 250 community colleges that serve between 5,000 and 9,999 students.
“The national recession has driven younger students to community colleges because our tuition is more affordable than that of four-year colleges and universities,” Para M. Jones, president of the school, told the news source “The result is that the average age of our students has gone down from approximately 28 to 26 years of age.”
They added that the school’s online course offerings are contributing to the overall success of the college. Currently, the school offers more than 100 online courses as well as internet-based associates degree programs and certificates. These web-based options allow the school to reach individuals outside their normal target area and entice students from across the country to enroll.
Similiarly, Terra Community College has made significant strides in its online course package. The Ohio-based school is offering more online classes to help capture more students who are seeking distance learning options.
In an effort to attract more students in its virtual programs, the school is now offering 93 online classes with nearly 2,000 students attending web-based classes last fall, reports the Port Clinton News Herald
“[Our] students are very busy and want flexible classes,” Nancy Sattler, dean of liberal arts and public services at Terra Community College, told the news source.
School officials added that the college is also offering more hybrid courses through which students will complete certain parts of classes online and on-campus. Since these programs became available, the institution has seen an increase in enrollment from 57 students in the fall 2008 semester to 678 in 2010. These numbers represent record highs for the institution.
According to the Pew Research Center, community colleges enroll nearly half of all U.S. graduates, totalling more than 6 million students.
Enrollment in high demand professions and online courses increase for DeVry
Other schools are seeing a boost in enrollment in degree programs that feed into in-demand professions, such as nursing. For instance, officials from DeVry Inc. recently experienced significant growth in enrollment n 2010 in its web-based and healthcare programs, reports BusinessWeek.
Officials told the news source that enrollment in its Chamberlain College of Nursing grew by 42 percent in 2009. Furthermore, nearly 21 percent more students registered for online courses at the school, while nearly 2,500 more were attending graduate classes as compared to the previous year.
According to the 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning, nearly 5.6 million students from more than 2,500 colleges and universities in the U.S. were enrolled in a web-based class in the fall semester of 2009.
Ashford University graduates record number of students in 2010
Finally, Ashford University, an online school, recently reported that 98 percent of the 8,268 graduates in 2010 earned their degree online.
“In 2010, we graduated 3,000 more students than in 2009,” said Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University “The 2010 graduating class is by far the largest in Ashford University’s 92-year history.”
College officials said that more than 5,000 students graduated in 2009.
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