Statistics show that 56% of all 2 year and 4 year colleges now offer some kind of online learning and distance education courses. That is over 2,000 colleges nationwide. The University of Phoenix saw it's enrollment almost triple in the five year period 1998-2003. Trying not to be left behind, some ivy league colleges such as Harvard and MIT now offer online courses and full degree programs online.

Convenience is the key to the success of these programs. Most of the students that are attracted by online degree programs are busy full-time working professionals, some with children at home. Some are single parents who can't get out of the house two or three times a week to attend school at a traditional campus. Utilizing online education students are able to learn at their own pace. They can do their studying at their leisure.

Distance education program requirements vary from college to college. Some require that you visit the campus a few times during the semester, some only at the beginning. Most have orientations at the beginning of each semester which allow the students to meet with professors. After this initial orientation, the college utilizes teleconferencing and taped lectures for further learning and discussions between students and professors.

If you are thinking of taking advantage of an online degree make sure that the college is accredited. Accreditation means that the school is held to high and established standards of education. You should only attend a properly accredited college. Some degrees, such as nursing and education require licensing. Make sure that your state will accept the degree obtained from an online university. Don't forget to see what type of financial aid might be available to you through the school, local and federal governments or even in the workplace. Most employers offer rebates to employees who return to school to advance their career skills.

Be advised that as with traditional college learning, online courses involve lots of studying. It's important to be organized and focused to realize success with self paced learning. In general, surveys have found that nine to ten hours of study per week is needed for each class you are taking.