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Distance Learning Information -
Facts and Figures

The first distance education program began in the 1830s with the advent of commercial correspondence classes.
In 2001, 56% of traditional learning institutions offered distance learning programs. An additional 12% of schools stated they planned on adding distance learning programs to their curriculum within the next three years (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003).
In a 1999 study, it was concluded that, "Distance education is just as effective as traditional education in regards to learner outcomes." (Distance Education at Postsecondary Education Institutions Study, 1998).
In 2000, there was a 70% success rate for distance learning students versus a 74% success rate for those attending a traditional learning institution, (Virginia Western Community College Student Assessment Report, 2001).
The rate of distance learning registrations has increased 2-5% each year over the last ten years.

Studies have shown that the majority distance learning students tend to be female, older than most students in traditional learning environments (i.e., over the age of 25), and have family or work obligations, (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2002).
Students taking distance classes fare the same, or even better, in terms of grades, yet worse in terms of retention rates when compared to students in traditional learning environments, due to the degree of self-motivation and discipline required, (Denton, Clark, Rossing, and O'Connor, 1984; Hogan, 1997; Schoenfeld-Tacher, McConnell, and Graham, 2001).
The largest higher learning institution in the United States , the University of Phoenix , has educated approximately 200,000 students enrolled online and on campuses throughout the country. Additionally, they employ over 23,000 faculty members in educational roles.
Most online universities report 50-60% graduation rates annually.
Today, only about 27% of students can be classified as attending conventional learning institutions.