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MOST ADULTS SEE DISTANCE
LEARNING PROGRAMS CRITICAL TO JOB ADVANCEMENT |
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At a time of rapid change in the economy, adults in
their mid-20s to mid-50s perceive accredited distance
learning programs as critical to improving their
economic situation, according to a recent national
survey commissioned by Excelsior College and conducted
by Zogby International.Adults between 25 and 54 --
most of whom are well past traditional college age --
are increasingly looking to obtain college degrees,
and the numbers almost triple when an accredited
distance learning degree is discussed as an option.
While 7 percent are currently taking courses toward a
degree, more than twice that number (17 percent) said
they plan to take college courses in the future. When
asked about an accredited distance learning option, 50
percent said they would be much more or somewhat more
likely to continue their education if they could get
an accredited degree through distance learning.
"The survey results underscore how far distance
learning has come and the important role it is likely
to play in the future in helping adults improve their
lives," said Dr. Chari Leader, vice president for
enrollment management, Excelsior College. "The world
is rapidly changing, and most adults cannot afford to
quit their jobs in order to earn college degrees so
they can advance in their jobs or change careers. They
see distance learning as a solution to this dilemma."
These days, it is not unusual for people to change
jobs seven times and to have between three and five
different careers during their lifetime. Job
advancement and salary increases are important goals
of most working Americans.
Three-fourths of those surveyed in the 25 to 54 age
group who are taking college courses or plan to take
courses said they want a college degree to improve
their economic situation, whether to increase earning
potential (24 percent), advance in their current
careers (16 percent), improve future options (14
percent), change careers (13 percent) or for job
security (8 percent). Only 19 percent said they wanted
a degree for a non-economic reason -- personal
satisfaction. Another 6 percent cited "other" reasons.
Despite strong interest in college degrees for
advancement in the workplace, very few people are
employed by companies or organizations that pay for
them to take college courses.
Among all adults, fewer than one-quarter (22 percent)
work for employers who reimburse employees or pay
colleges directly for courses taken by employees.
These trends are even more significant for minorities.
More than 43 percent of African-Americans and 22
percent of Hispanics said they plan to take colleges
courses.
When distance learning is mentioned as an option, 52
percent of African-Americans and 66 percent of
Hispanics indicate they would be much more or somewhat
more likely to continue their education. Yet, only 26
percent of African Americans and 24 percent of
Hispanics work for employers who pay for college
courses. "Given the results of this survey, accredited
distance learning colleges have the opportunity to
make as significant an impact on minorities in America
as the advent of traditionally black colleges," said
Dr. Linda Jolly, Excelsior College provost. "Employers
should be looking to distance learning to develop
their workforces." |
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Survey Methodology
The Excelsior College Distance Learning Survey was
conducted by Zogby International between June 2 and
June 5, 2004. Zogby interviewed 1,152 adults 18 years
and older chosen at random nationwide. A total of 637
of the respondents were between 25 and 54 years of
age. The margin of error is +/- 2.9 percent. |
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