Poll Reveals Online Degrees Have Become a Popular Education Option

By Degrees.info Staff

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Based on results from a recent Degrees.info survey, approximately two-thirds of prospective students considering an online degree program are female, while the other third is male. More than 75% of students seeking a higher education online are high school graduates and currently employed.

Many adult students are opting for an online education because they want to earn a degree in a particular profession or career path, become more competitive in the job market, and broaden their current skill set - but also need the flexibility that an online degree permits.

More than 75% of prospective students said they're drawn by the schedule flexibility, while nearly 50% cite price flexibility as a factor in their interest in an online degree program. The freedom of location also appealed slightly more than half of those polled. Many were won over by the fact that they didn't have to sacrifice their day jobs or child care responsibilities in order to study.

Surveyed prospective students named a wide variety of personal goals and reasons that were motivating them to seek out a higher education degree through an online school. Comments included:

• "I want to be able to get a better paying job to support myself and a family."
• "I want to improve my career options and switch professional tracks."
• "I wish to pursue my master's degree while continuing to work."
• "I want to obtain a degree that will help me reach management level in my career field."
• "I have realized that in today's society, in order to be someone who doesn't say 'Would you like fries with that?' or someone who is pushing carts all day, you need to have a college degree."
• "I want to make something of myself, and to be a role model for my kids. I would like to be able to tell my children that I graduated college and have a degree."

Despite the vast array of reasons that adults are looking for online degree options, one thing is universal: Online education provides opportunities to many who never could have achieved it before. Learning is no longer an elite privilege. It is a chance for people from all walks of life to improve the quality of their existence and make a positive impact on their families and the world.

Find out more about online degrees and advantages of obtaining a degree online.