Ten Percent Rise in Online Enrollment

More than six million students took at least one online college course during the fall 2010 term, amounting to 31% of all college students. This an increase of more than a half-million students from 2009, or a ten percent rise in enrollments.

Incredibly, 2010 saw the second-lowest increase in online enrollment since 2002!

These numbers represent online classes offered from all kinds of secondary education groups, including online arms of large and small state and private universities and colleges and for-profit institutions such as Anthem College Online. What’s remarkable is that in spite of longstanding suspicions and prejudices against online education by some faculty, online education remains attractive to students at these same institutions.

Still, we’re pleased to read that some faculty and many schools are starting to accept the reality that many, if not most, students can’t make that 10:30 AM class or 3:30 pm orientation. Because these students—probably like you−have lives that include family, jobs or both that just don’t mesh with the “traditional” college schedule.

Online Students’ Satisfaction is Equal to Peers in Classes, Higher in Some Areas

What do students think? Most of them (about two-thirds) reported being equally satisfied with online and in-class learning. About 15% actually felt that online quality was “somewhat superior,” and slight more echoed this for in-class instruction. Students also felt equal satisfaction communicating with instructors online versus face-to-face, and slightly more online students felt that online supported different learning styles better than in-class education.

More online students had greater satisfaction interacting with their fellow students (40%) versus students in classrooms (32%). And online students were overwhelmingly positive about learning at their own pace (80%) versus just 20% of students in traditional classes.

What programs are students taking online? Online enrollment in programs for health professions is the fastest-growing among the groups surveyed, and enrollment into business programs remain steady after years of growth.

Different Institutions, Different Attitudes Toward Online Learning

Interestingly, college chief academic officers (CAOs) interviewed for the study were still struggling with faculty over online education. Less than one-third believed their faculty accept the value and legitimacy of online education, and this hasn’t changed much in eight years. But, this attitude does vary by the type of school. Private “nonprofit” college and university faculty are least accepting of online education, according to their CAOs, who report that just four percent agree that online learning has value and legitimacy. (To be fair, about 46% were neutral on the question.) Eight percent of public university faculty had favorable views of online education, and almost 60% were neutral.

Chief Academic Officers See Value in Online Education

CAOs,however, agree that online education brings value to their schools. Since 2002, more of them see it as critical to their schools’ long-term strategy, rising from just under 50% in 2002 to about 66% in 2011. Why is this important? Because it gives students much-needed flexibility to earn a college degree.

Anthem College Online – Closing in on a Decade of Online Education

Anthem College Online has been offering career-focused training and education online since 2003. Today, it offers programs in healthcare, business, and legal fields that lead to a diploma, associate of science, or bachelor of science degree depending on the program. Some programs also have degree-completion options as well.

Learn more about our online education that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

I’m pretty sure this thought crossed your mind as you considered your options for an online education. While just about every college and university in the nation now offers online programs and courses, students wonder (with justification) about how their online education will be received in the human resources office. After all, this is the one gateway most job applicants have to get past before being considered for an interview.

The good news is, attitudes toward online education are getting better all the time. In 2010, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) surveyed just under 450 randomly selected human resource (HR) professionals from among their membership about their attitudes toward online versus “traditional” degrees. Responses were very encouraging.

• More than one-third (34%) of organizations said that they treat applicants who obtained their degrees online as favorably as those who received degrees through “traditional” ground campus institutions.
• Over half (55%) said it would not make a difference to them if they had to weigh two candidates with equal experience but held an online versus a traditional degree.
• Almost 80% said they had hired an applicant with an online degree within the past twelve months.

SHRM found that HR offices are welcoming online degree-holders. Eighty-seven percent of the HR professionals it surveyed said that online degrees are viewed more favorably “than five years ago” when asked in 2009, but a full 90% agreed just a year later in 2010. Interestingly, 72% agreed in 2010 that the recession has led to more people enrolling in online courses or degree programs, up from just 59% a year earlier.

And if you’re wondering, the HR folks usually can figure out if your degree is from an online institution or not. About ten percent of applicants state if their degree was obtained online, but more likely, the college is recognized by the person reviewing an application.

HR professionals are open to hiring online degree holders at most levels of an organization. For entry-level jobs, 83% said an online degree was acceptable or that where the degree was obtained did not make a difference. For mid-level positions, 56% said they same. Almost half (49%) agreed for management-level positions.

HR professionals also seem to understand that graduates from online degree programs might bring a bit more motivation and self-management to the job. Here are some interesting findings:

• 14% strongly agreed that online degree graduates had greater self-discipline than traditional degree holders. Just 6% said that traditional degree holders had more self-discipline.
• 14% strongly agreed that online graduates communicate more effectively. Just 4% said the same of traditional degree holders.
• 10% strongly agreed that online graduates have better time management skills. Only 5% said the same for traditional degree holders.
• 7% strongly agreed that online graduates were more motivated—the same margin as those who felt the same way about traditional degree holders.

Imagine discussing how your online education improved your time management and communication skills in an interview. Your interviewer might be waiting for you to bring this up.

Speaking of interviews, you should know that as an Anthem College Online student, you have access to a devoted Career Services Department whose staff can assist you with job search preparation, including resume development, job-search strategies, and interview training. They contact employers in your area, and can identify volunteer opportunities to give your resume an additional boost.

Other Career Services personalized packets for each graduate that holds resumes and business cards and access to InterviewStream, a technology that helps train people to interview effectively.

Phoenix, AZ, February 28, 2012 ― Anthem College Online is hosting a career webinar for Criminal Justice students on March 1, 2012.

Director of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) Charles Flanagan will be on hand to share his expertise about the juvenile correction system. Students will learn about opportunities in the juvenile corrections field, the differences between juvenile and adult corrections, and the rehabilitative focus of this area of criminal justice.

“Our career webinars provide a valuable opportunity for students to learn directly from industry professionals about what career options exist in their field of study,” says Darcy Richardson, Division President for Anthem College Online. “By giving our students the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, we hope to encourage them to further develop their own career goals.”

Earlier this month, Paralegal students were invited to attend a webinar where Association of Legal Assistants-Paralegals (NALA) President Karen Greer McGee spoke about the paralegal career and advancement in the field.

In addition to its Criminal Justice and Paralegal degree programs, Anthem College Online offers programs in the following fields:

• Accounting Technology
• Business Management
• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Management
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Depending on the program, students can earn an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree. The only exception is the Medical Office Administration program, which offers a Diploma only.  The Healthcare Management program offers a Bachelor of Science degree completion option for students who already hold an associate’s degree. Likewise, the Medical Assisting program is an Associate of Science degree completion program for students who hold a Medical Assisting Diploma.

Anthem College Online is open to students in all states except Massachusetts and Arkansas.

About Anthem College Online

Originally established in 2003, Anthem College Online is part of Anthem Education, a Phoenix, Arizona-based family of schools and colleges that provides career-focused training and education programs at 23 accredited institutions in 15 states as well as online. The Anthem Education family of schools includes Anthem College, Anthem College Online, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, Morrison University, and The Bryman School of Arizona. For more information, visit http://anthemcollege.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.anthem.edu/disclosures.

(click to download press release in PDF format)

PHOENIX, ARIZ., February 23, 2012―Anthem High School, a partnership between Anthem College Online and Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE), is now online and accepting students.

“We are excited to partner with Smart Horizons,” says Darcy Richardson, Division President of Anthem College Online. “Both our organizations want to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and support their efforts. More adults realize that education is critical to getting a better life for themselves and their families. Anthem High School is one path they can use to begin working toward their educational and career goals.”

Students who are interested in learning basic workplace skills, such as Microsoft Office, communication, and time management, can work toward a Professional Skills Development Certificate while they earn their high school diploma.

Anthem High School graduates can continue their education through Anthem College Online, the online division of Anthem College-Phoenix, part of Anthem Education. It offers post-secondary education and training programs in the following fields:

• Accounting Technology
• Business Management
• Criminal Justice
• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Management
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration
• Paralegal

Depending on the program, students can earn an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree, except for the Medical Office Administration program, which offers a Diploma only. Two programs―Healthcare Management and Medical Assisting―offer degree completion options as well.

SHCOE is the first online school district to receive accreditation from AdvancED/SACS. The organization shares many of the same goals as Anthem College Online, says SHCOE Board Chairman Richard Goldman, PhdD. “Both of our organizations prepare students to succeed in their education and careers, and provide skilled employees. I believe that together, we can serve as a model to help improve the educational outlook for many people and maybe even help improve our economy.”

About Anthem College Online

Originally established in 2003, Anthem College Online is part of Anthem Education, a Phoenix, Arizona-based family of schools and colleges that provides career-focused training and education programs at 23 accredited institutions in 15 states as well as online. The Anthem Education family of schools includes Anthem College, Anthem College Online, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, Morrison University, and The Bryman School of Arizona. For more information, visit http://anthem.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.anthem.edu/disclosures.

About Smart Horizons Career Online Education

Smart Horizons Career Online Education, founded in 2009 and located in Pensacola, Florida, is a private, AdvancED/SACS accredited online school district. AdvancED/SACS District accreditation signifies that SHCOE and all of its schools are fully accredited and that SHCOE is recognized across the nation as a quality school system. Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers 18-credit, career-based high school diploma programs that are designed to prepare students for entrance into the workplace. Career certificate offerings include Childcare Education, Office Management, Protection Services, Homeland Security, Healthcare (coming in Fall 2011) and Transportation Services. For more information, visit our Web site at www.shcoe.org, call our office at 855-777-4265 or email our office at enrollment@smarthorizonsonline.org

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If you do any shopping on Amazon.com, for example, you are probably well aware of the value of other people’s opinions, referrals or reviews. I never buy anything without reading through the reviews first. Why? They tell me what I need to know.

• Did the product work?
• Is the seller trustworthy?
• Is the product what was advertised?
• Did he or she do a good job?

These are important questions, and the answers helps me make my decision about whether or not I’m going to buy a certain product or use a certain person or company for their services.

The same is true when you think about whether or not you want to refer your friends to Anthem College Online. Some questions you might ask yourself are:

• Did you enjoy your experience?
• Did you get the training you expected?
• Did you like the school, programs and services?
• Did they deliver what they promised?

Just think…if Anthem College Online was the right choice for you, it might be for your friends too. You know the difference that Anthem has made in your life, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to share it with the people closest to you.

Anthem College Online graduate Nikki Gilster is not shy about sharing her Anthem experience with others.

“I have bragged about Anthem since I’ve been a student,” she says. “I’ve told people who are interested in going back to school they should check out Anthem.  I explain to them what a great experience I had and that I wouldn’t change a thing if I had it to do all over again. I honestly believe I could not have gotten a better educational experience anywhere else. I was always made to feel like a person, not a number.  Everyone I have dealt with at Anthem has honestly and truly cared about me and my well-being and has shown it.  I am extremely proud that Anthem College is my alma mater, and I always will be.”

So have you made up your mind yet? Do you have a friend that you think would benefit from Anthem College Online’s career-focused education and training?

Great! All you need to do is visit http://anthemcollege.edu/referral/ and fill out the form. One of our representatives will get in touch with your friend to talk about his or her goals and interests and discuss their options.

You can also refer your friend on Facebook! Just look for the “Refer a Friend” tab on the left-hand side of the Anthem College Online Facebook page.

Phoenix, Ariz., February 21, 2012―The State of Missouri has approved online healthcare education programs offered by Anthem College Online for its residents.

“Online learning has become an important component for adult students,” says Darcy Richardson, Division President for Anthem College Online. “Many of the students who come to us for education and training lead very full lives, so the flexibility and convenience of online learning allows them to pursue their educational goals without disrupting their jobs and families. We are pleased to open our virtual doors to Missouri residents looking to further their careers with the help of higher education.”

Missouri residents can now enroll in one of several education programs that lead to a Certificate, Associate of Science, or Bachelor of Science:

• Accounting Technology – Associate of Science
• Business Management – Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science
• Criminal Justice – Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science
• Health Information Management – Associate of Science
• Healthcare Management – Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science Degree Completion
• Medical Assisting – Associate of Science Degree Completion
• Medical Office Administration – Certificate
• Paralegal – Associate of Science

Some programs are adapted for Missouri students to meet the state’s general education requirements for awarding degrees.

Missouri previously approved the school’s programs outside the healthcare field.

About Anthem College Online

Originally established in 2003, Anthem College Online is part of Anthem Education, a Phoenix, Arizona-based family of schools and colleges that provides career-focused training and education programs at 23 accredited institutions in 15 states as well as online. The Anthem Education family of schools includes Anthem College, Anthem College Online, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, Morrison University, and The Bryman School of Arizona. For more information, visit http://anthemcollege.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.anthem.edu/disclosures.

(click to download press release in PDF format)

Marissa had come across a report called With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them: Myths and Realities About Why So Many Students Fail to Finish College. Its authors had interviewed graduates and non-graduates ages 22-30 to see why some graduated and some didn’t. She came to these conclusions:

• A lot of today’s college students don’t fit the popular picture of a teenager living in a dorm.
• Getting the right kind of help makes a big difference in whether a student succeeds in school.

The fact is, a growing number of today’s college students have a lot of responsibilities outside of home and need tangible help to stay in school, including financial assistance, flexible class schedules, and childcare. Students like this are “changing the college landscape and the definition of today’s college student.”

After reading Marissa’s post, I took a look through the report and suggest a third bullet point:

• Students aren’t failing college, but rather, an outdated system is failing them. (I would also hope that any follow-up report takes the word “fail” out of the title.)

Too many colleges are stubbornly clinging to a model that doesn’t work for a lot of students, who end up “failing” to finish college. Or as I see it, colleges fail to respond to these student’s needs.

With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them focused on ex-students and graduates ages 22 to 30 and collected a lot of statistics. Here are a few things its authors learned about students who didn’t finish school:

• More than half (54%)  said the need to “work and make money” was a major reason for “failing” to finish.
• 63% said it was “too stressful” to work and attend school.
• 60% said the cost for books and other fees besides tuition was too much to handle

In addition, 62% of students who left college were paying tuition on their own. These students were working full- or part-time.

Almost 70% who “failed” to finish college didn’t have any kind of financial help. They didn’t have scholarships, family assistance, or other sources to turn to.

The authors also took the interesting step to talk to students who finished college. Fifty-eight percent of these students also agreed that textbook and “other fees” impacted their first year in college, and 52% agreed that working and attending school was stressful. There was no discussion of what colleges are doing to make students’ live less stressful and more productive.

I keep wondering, what if those students who “failed” out of college knew about online education? A good online school, taught by educators who understand the concepts of online education, and staffed by people whose jobs are to support student success, could be an answer.

Anthem College Online strives to serve this population of students who are smart, dedicated, and poorly served by too many of today’s higher education institutions. It was created to give students the flexibility to attend classes that fit their busy lives. It isn’t an easier approach—students still have to keep to a schedule to make sure they log in to classes, discussion boards, and complete assignments on time—but it works for many of them, including those with families and/or jobs.

Here are few examples of how Anthem College Online approaches the needs of today’s adult learners:

• Anthem College Online doesn’t simply put instructors or curricula online and hope for the best. The College carefully evaluates instructors who are qualified in their subject areas to see if they can teach our online curriculum. Here is an article that details how Anthem hires, trains, and supports our online instructors.
• Anthem College Online states total program costs upfront. There are no ugly surprises such as library or gym access fees.
• Students are scheduled to attend four classes per term, which qualifies them for financial aid. Students who complete fewer than four classes per term have their financial aid recalculated and reduced if necessary.
• All students have access to SOAR Student Assistance, a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that provides professional, phone-based counseling to students and family members. SOAR can help with academic or personal problems, including financial, relationship, legal, or substance abuse-related issues.

The report doesn’t mention career preparation services or whether students were aware of any while at school. Career Services are an important part of Anthem College Online. Most students begin working with Anthem’s Career Services Department after they have completed their first 90 days of classes. Career Services, which is also delivered online, uses tools to help students learn how to interviews, teaches students to develop resumes and cover letters (and provides them with a packet to hold resumes, business cards, and thank-you notes), and provides important networking services.

If you or someone you know wants to return to school and finish a degree, take a look at Anthem College Online. You will find a supportive and attentive online academic environment where students come first. Browse our programs, chat with a representative, and take another look at how education can work for you.

Tell us: Are you a graduate who has overcome obstacles to complete school or are you a current student who is facing some of these issues? What has been the most important thing you’ve learned from the experience? How can (or did) Anthem help you?

Are you a Missouri resident who has been looking for the perfect online degree program to study Healthcare Management or Health Information Management? Do you have a Medical Assisting diploma, but want to upgrade to an associate degree? Do you know you want to work in healthcare, but have no idea where to start and get the training you need? I’ve got great news!

Anthem College Online (ACO) has been approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education to expand its list of programs that are available to Missouri residents.

Missouri residents can now enroll in the following programs at Anthem College Online:

• Accounting Technology – Associate of Science
• Business Management – Associate of Science & Bachelor of Science
• Criminal Justice – Associate of Science & Bachelor of Science
• Health Information Management – Associate of Science
• Healthcare Management – Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Science Degree Completion
• Medical Assisting – Associate of Science Degree Completion
• Medical Office Administration – Certificate
• Paralegal – Associate of Science

Anthem College Online provides a flexible solution to learning for people with busy schedules, work and family responsibilities, or transportation limitations. All learning is done over the Internet so students can choose when and from where they watch their class lectures, complete coursework, and take exams.

ACO has designed its learning platform to promote student engagement. The courses incorporate videos, 24-hour discussion boards, and even computer simulations so students can interact with their program, their classmates and their instructors.

Call Anthem College Online today at 866.837.1010 to speak with one of our representatives who can answer your questions and help you get started on your path to a new career. If you’d like to learn more about our programs and services, please visit our website.

Midlife in the United States, or Midus, is an ongoing study that more than 7,000 Americans ages 25-74 have participated in since it was first started in 1995. Midus is looking at how behavioral, psychological, and social factors influence how people function as they age, especially as they enter midlife, defined as age 40.

The New York Times recently reported on Midus’ discoveries about how education affects aging. It’s really true: an educated mind keeps stimulating the brain and can delay age-related mental decline.

Midus found this is most dramatic in middle-aged people who stay mentally active, even if they did not attend college. Those who spent time reading, writing, attending lectures, and even doing puzzles were able to keep up with their college-educated peers.

People with college-level education develop a kind of mental shield that slows the brain’s aging process by up to ten years. By the time they reach their 40s, college-educated people can draw upon their education and experience  in areas such as decision-making, strategy, and motivation. They often have better-developed vocabulary and more exposure to culture, which can give them advantages over younger, equally educated people facing the same challenges.

Midus participants took lots of test to measure intelligence, understanding, and verbal and math skills. According to the Times, “the more years of school a person had, the better he or she performed on every test.” Educated people had the most consistent scores as well.

So if you’re thinking about returning to school, consider this:

• A “mature” student  might not be able to mentally calculate a math problem as fast as a younger accounting technology colleague, but he or she might be able to quickly identify an Excel function that simplifies depreciation estimates.
• Middle-aged paralegal students might need a moment to remember their Westlaw passwords, but they just might beat a 20-something study partner in finding the right citation to use.
• Business Management students over age 39 will no doubt have experience to draw upon in classes that stress management and organization, particularly those who bring work experience and parenting skills to the class!

If you think you’re too old to go to school, think again. The experiences you bring to class (and hopefully, share with your classmates—and yes, you can do that online!) can give you unexpected expertise and advantages.

At Anthem College Online, your experience is valued and appreciated. Take a look at what you can study online with us. Our classes are interactive and engaging. You just might find that your background is a great fit for one of our programs!

For Anthem College Online

602-889-2700

kboutelle@anthem.edu

PHOENIX, ARIZ., December 20, 2011―Anthem College Online, the online division of Anthem College-Phoenix, has taken a significant step forward to re-engage adult learners into the education process by partnering with Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE) to create Anthem High School.

“We are very excited to work with Smart Horizons Career Online Education in an effort to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn their high school diploma,” says Darcy Richardson, Division President for Anthem College Online. “During this difficult economic time, more and more adults are realizing that education is a critical component that can help them provide better lives for themselves and their families. It is exciting to provide students with another option to help them reach their educational and career goals―starting with Anthem High School.”

Anthem College Online offers programs in the following fields:

• Accounting Technology
• Business Management
• Criminal Justice
• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Management
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration
• Paralegal

Depending on the program, students can earn an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree, except for the Medical Office Administration program, which offers a Diploma only. The Healthcare Management program offers a Bachelor of Science degree completion option for students who already hold an associate’s degree, and the Medical Assisting program is an Associate of Science degree completion program for students who hold a Medical Assisting Diploma.

Anthem College Online is open to students in all states except Massachusetts and Arkansas.

“Anthem College Online is a leader in online career-oriented education,” says Dr. Richard Goldman, Chairman of the Board for SHCOE. “They see a natural partnership with SHCOE because we share common goals: to prepare students to succeed in their education and careers and provide skilled workers for employers. Our organizations can serve as a model to help improve the educational outlook for many people and maybe even help improve our economy.”

SCHOE students can choose from among the following career certificates: Childcare, Transportation Services, Office Management, Homeland Security, Protection Services, and General Career Preparation.

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About Anthem College Online

Originally established in 2003, Anthem College Online is part of Anthem Education, a Phoenix, Arizona-based family of schools and colleges that provides career-focused training and education programs at 23 accredited institutions in 15 states as well as online. The Anthem Education family of schools includes Anthem College, Anthem College Online, Anthem Career College, Anthem Institute, Morrison University, and The Bryman School of Arizona. For more information, visit http://anthem.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.anthem.edu/disclosures.

About Smart Horizons Career Online Education

Smart Horizons Career Online Education, founded in 2009 and located in Pensacola, Florida, is a private, AdvancED/SACS accredited online school district. AdvancED/SACS District accreditation signifies that SHCOE and all of its schools are fully accredited and that SHCOE is recognized across the nation as a quality school system. Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers 18-credit, career-based high school diploma programs that are designed to prepare students for entrance into the workplace. Career certificate offerings include Childcare Education, Office Management, Protection Services, Homeland Security, Healthcare (coming in Fall 2011) and Transportation Services. For more information, visit our Web site at www.shcoe.org, call our office at 855-777-4265 or email our office at enrollment@smarthorizonsonline.org

(click to download press release in PDF format)