Ohio sees increase in online enrollments

Ohio sees increase in online enrollments

Nearly three-quarters of higher education institutions report that the economic downturn has increased demand for online courses and programs, according to the Sloan Consortium. This may be a result of the flexibility that many web-based programs offer to nontraditional students. Ohio students have been active participants in this trend, as the Buckeye state reported a 26 percent increase in online enrollments last year.

A state report released this week shows that almost 93,700 Ohio public college students were enrolled in online courses at the start of last school year. According to the report, more than half of these students are aged 25 or older, and two-thirds are women.

Ohio higher education Chancellor Eric Fingerhut said in a statement that the rapid growth in online learning is making a college education more convenient and accessible for students. He added that the state is saving on the cost of facilities, which allows it to invest more in teaching and learning.

By Mark Danson