Military spouses may benefit from online education

Military spouses may benefit from online education

According to a 2009 report published by the Sloan Consortium, 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall of 2008. Many of these learners were military spouses, who require the flexibility that online education can offer.

This week, Ashworth College, an online university, is preparing for the relaunch of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account program. The government program provides spouses of junior service members with up to $4,000 in financial aid to pursue associate's degrees, certificates and licenses.

"Online programs are ideal for military spouses, giving them the flexibility they need to become successful students," said Leslie Gargiulo, vice president of Education at the university. "Because all of Ashworth's programs are nationally accredited and our instructors are working professionals, spouses are assured to get the quality education they deserve."

More than 133,000 military spouses applied for the initial phase of the program, and almost 98,000 were approved for financial assistance, according to the Department of Defense.

By Mark Danson