Adult learners benefit from new online bachelors program

Adult learners benefit from new online bachelors program

Adults who are interested in earning a degree from a top university, but are unable to make financial, time or transportation commitments may want to consider enrolling in an online degree program. Web-based education combines the convenience of anytime learning with the flexibility of a custom work schedule.

Online programs, such as the one offered by Washington State University, allow students to earn a traditional four-year degree from the comfort of their home, reports the Tri-City Herald.

Washington State offers online bachelors programs in business administration, criminal justice, human development, social sciences and humanities. Undergraduate certificates and graduate programs are available online as well.

Today, approximately 4.6 million students are taking online courses and earning online college degrees, the Sloan Consortium reports. That represents a 17 percent growth in web-based enrollments when compared to last year, which is due in part to the unstable economy. More adults are returning to school in order to advance their careers and gain more professional job opportunities.

A representative from the university told the news source that "expanding the scope of online offerings will open up access to more students."

U.S. Census Bureau data from 2007 shows the average earnings for individuals with a high school education were $42,466 per year, while those with bachelors degrees earned more than twice as much.

By Mark Danson