Getting A Degree Online - Average age drops 13 Years in 13 Years. It's Only Not for Working Adults Any More.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 17, 2009 ) Getting A Degree Online - Average age drops 13 years since 1996. It's Only Not for Working Adults Any More.

In 1996 when Degree.com was founded virtually all of the people looking at getting a degree were adult elearners with day jobs hoping to finally get a degree.
The average age, according to a survey offered at http://www.Degree.com at that time of those responding was 38 and had some college behind them. The online bachelors degree or the distance learning masters degree was relatively unheard of by most students.

Fast forward 13 years to today. Online degrees Online degrees are widely accepted, many think because of the wide advertising done by the many of the online programs and online universities. In addition most brick and mortar universities are offering complete online degrees or at the least online classes. In a recent survey at Degree.com they found the average age of those responding was 25 - a full 10 years younger than. Many were under 20. In 1996 none who responded were under 22. A full 22 % had no college experience. In 1996 all of those responding had some college. "Online education is becoming a first choice for many rather than an alternative option," said Degree.com founder, education expert Sheila Danzig. "It allows the students to finish their degrees faster and work their own schedule. Many find it is easier to have jobs and attend classes full time when they are enrolled in a distance learning degree."

One recognized downside of elearning is that the drop out rate is higher than classes taken in physical buildings. It is estimated that 35% of online student dropout, while the average drop out rate for college freshman nationwide is 20%. It should be noted however that the older the student, the lower the drop out rate. Students over the age of 35 have a drop out rate of about 25% and those under 20 have a drop out rate of over 40%. Many think this will change and the drop out rates will get lower now that the economy has slowed down because people are more motivated than ever to complete a degree.

"Having a degree puts you ahead of the competition," said Danzig, "when it comes to getting a job. People know this and are headed back to school online and in traditional programs."

Career Consulting International: TheDegr
Sheila Danzig
954.445.0107
sheila@danzig.com