Online education enrollment continues to grow at Saint Leo's University

Online education enrollment continues to grow at Saint Leo's University

Authorities from the Pasco Economic Development Council have reported that student enrollment in Saint Leo's University has increased substantially in the spring semester; mostly due to the growth of on-campus and online graduate degree programs, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reports.

This semester, approximately 21 percent of the student population is enrolled through the university's Center of Online Learning, which was established in 1998. Currently, there are more than 3,000 students taking online courses.

John Hagen, president of Pasco County's Economic Development Council, says that the growth of the university bodes well for the community as a whole.

"It helps ensure that Pasco County can continue to supply the skilled workforce that companies will need to grow the community economic base," said Hagen, quoted by the news source.

The university, which is based in Saint Leo, Florida, has locations at online learning centers, military bases and community colleges in seven different states.

According to the 2009 Sloan Survey, approximately 4.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2008.

By Mark Danson