Identify Future Trends in Adult Online Higher Education with New Report

DUBLIN, Ireland--(Business Wire)--
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/975821/the_future_online)
has announced the addition of the "The Future Online Learner" report
to their offering.

The Future Online Learner report explores the results of a recent
survey conducted for the purposes of identifying future trends in
adult online higher education and informing program development and
marketing decisions. A national sample of adults who are not currently
enrolled but are interested in continuing their education participated
in the survey.

Initial indications predict continued growth in online
enrollments. Half (47%) of those surveyed indicated they are 'very' or
'extremely' interested in a degree or certificate program offered
partially or completely online. Eighty-nine percent are at least
'somewhat' interested in online education. Furthermore, those most
interested in online education expect to enroll sooner than their less
enthusiastic counterparts. Half (52%) of those 'extremely' or 'very'
interested in online programs expect to enroll in classes within the
next 12 months.

In the prime of their lives, future online learners are better
educated and compensated than the average US resident. Sixty-nine
percent have earned at least a bachelor's degree. Half (49%) are
between the ages of 35 and 39. Most future online learners are white,
married, and have a minimum household income of $50,000. They are most
interested in certificate and master's degree programs, in which they
expect to enroll part-time. Business is the preferred field of study.

Four types of future online learners were identified.

- Career Climbers are the most motivated segment. Young,
junior-level professionals driven by career aspirations and future
earning potential. They will be the first to enroll; 27% within six
months and another 38% within the year. They are a prime market for
online higher education providers.

- Perfection Seekers are accomplished, older professionals who are
most interested in meeting their own expectations and doing the best
job they possibly can. Perfection Seekers are ready to move promptly
(39% within 12 months) and do not face financial barriers to
continuing their education.

- Mid-Life Changers are the smallest group (17%). This type of
learner is looking for something new and different. Older, with less
education, less income, and less experience with technology; the
Mid-Life Changer will require the most institutional support.

- Content Dreamers will one day be a likely online learner, but
need not be targeted in the short-term. The Content Dreamer is young,
well educated, and well compensated. They are interested in pursing
additional continuing education credentials but they have a
comfortable lifestyle and many family and work obligations. Most will
consider enrolling in two or more years.

University of Phoenix is the unchallenged top-of-mind online
education provider. When listed as a potential provider, traditional
universities with long histories and large enrollment figures--such as
Penn State--and local community colleges are most likely to be
evaluated in depth. Rank order of institutions, as well as
institutional types, varies depending on whether the student is
interested in a certificate, undergraduate degree, or graduate degree.

Specific institutional attributes that will be considered in the
selection process fall into four categories. Prestige attributes,
including accreditation status, are extremely important to all learner
types. Service and support attributes include personalized support
services and full-service financial aid. These are also highly rated,
but are most important to Mid-Life Changers. The institutional type,
such as non-profit status, is also most important to Mid-Life
Changers, but to a lesser extent.

All three program feature categories were rated highly and are
areas in which institutions have an opportunity to differentiate
themselves from the competition. Student centric features such as 100%
online programs and rolling enrollment are most prized by Mid-Life
Changers but rated highly by all. Career friendly features, such as
scheduling that will not disrupt the student's career and the ability
to earn credits for work experience, were very popular among all
future online learners. Results also indicate that the future online
learner requires a quality experience that they perceive to be of
equal or higher rigor than classroom courses.

Marketing implications vary by learner type. Some types will be a
better fit with certain institutions. All of the information presented
in this report should be taken into consideration with the unique
resources and achievements of the specific institution to develop a
strategic online education plan best suited to the education provider.

Key Topics Covered:

-- Adoption of Online Learning

-- Online Learner Profile

-- Four Types of Online Learners

-- Brand Strength, Institutional Attributes, and Program Features

-- Methodology

Companies Mentioned:

-- Penn State University

-- University of Maryland

-- University of Massachusetts

-- Georgia Tech University

-- University of Phoenix

-- DeVry University

-- Kaplan University

-- American InterContinental University

-- Regis University

-- Strayer University

-- Capella University

-- Western Governors University

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/975821/the_future_online

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
press@researchandmarkets.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008