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Campus-Based Universities Report Record Growth of Online Degree Programs
Posted February 17, 2011 04:04 PM
Campus-Based Universities Report Record Growth of Online Degree ProgramsThe 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning reveals that approximately 5.6 million students participated in at least one web-based course in the fall of 2009, which represents an increase of almost 1 million learners from the previous year.
Across the country, a growing number of postsecondary schools are reporting record enrollment numbers for the spring 2011 semester. For example, the University of Texas (UT) at Arlington recently announced in a press release that it reached an all-time high this year, with 33,788 students. Officials note that this boost is due in part to improved recruiting and retention as well as expansion of online degree programs.
"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," said James D. Spaniolo, president of the school. "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."
The College of Nursing enrolled more than 6,600 students, which is about a 1,600 increase from last fall. In addition, the College of Education and Health Professions experienced a boost of about 400 learners this semester. Both schools offer a combination of campus-based and online courses.
"All of these initiatives represent our best efforts to give our students every opportunity to succeed, earn their college degrees and join the next generation of highly-skilled UT Arlington alumni who help drive our economy," said Donald R. Bobbitt, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Other institutions, such as the University of Tennessee (UT) at Martin, have also reported record growth. Officials from the school recently announced in a press release that 7,824 students enrolled in the spring of 2011 semester, which beats the existing record of 7,692 from 2010. This accounts for a 1.7% increase from last year, which is recorded by the university's Office of Institutional Research.
"Enrollment increase is representative of growth in our undergraduate enrollment, both on campus and off campus, in undergraduate online programs and in our dual-enrollment program," said Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin"s chancellor. "Our faculty and staff continue to work hard providing high-quality education and student-centric services."
