Factors Affecting Adult Enrollment in Online Higher Education: For-profit vs Nonprofit Institutions
Date
2009-08
Authors
Harris, Erin
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Abstract
This study explored factors affecting adult enrollment in online degree programs offered by for-profit virtual universities relative to those offered by traditional nonprofit
institutions. A mixed methods approach was taken to investigate differences in perceived motivations and barriers to participation and the extent to which adults differentiate
between nonprofit and for-profit institutions in the context of online programs. The findings indicate a perception among those selecting for-profit universities that a degree from an institution which is “known” is just as good as one from a “reputable” institution, and differences in how each institutional preference group searched for and evaluated
potential programs. It is suggested that future research focus on understanding perceptions o f online programs offered by nonprofit colleges.
Description
Keywords
Distance education, Adult education, For-profit universities and colleges, Nonprofit organizations, Telecommunication, Internet in education, Higher education, Computer-assisted instruction
Citation
Harris, E. (2009). <i>Factors affecting adult enrollment in online higher education: For-profit vs nonprofit institutions</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.