According to a national consumer poll conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland in June 2012 on behalf of Ashford University, 88% of adults and more than 90% of moms believe “technology changes everything.” When it comes to views of online education, more than 60% of adults between the ages of 35 and 48 say online degree programs provide a more realistic learning environment that mimics today’s work culture than traditional campus programs.

When it comes to moms, more than 80% surveyed believe online higher-education degree programs are more tailored to their interests and needs than traditional campus programs. Also, when considering furthering their education, more than 40% of working moms said that they are only interested in pursuing a degree online.

“Twenty years ago, I was a working mother of four looking to begin a doctorate program. I enrolled at a traditional university only to find that the traditional college experience did not work with my lifestyle,” said Dr. Elizabeth Tice, president of Ashford University. “As the President of Ashford University and in part because of my personal experiences, I’ve worked to make Ashford University a place that’s dedicated to serving the unique needs of adult learners.”

According to the Ashford University survey, 75% of both stay-at-home and working moms think an online higher-education degree program is more innovative and cutting edge than a campus higher-education degree program and more than 65% of moms think an online higher-education degree program uses the most-advanced technology to facilitate learning.

The consumer poll also revealed the following:

• Respondents report that online degree programs are 58% more “innovative and cutting edge” than traditional campus degrees and 36% more likely to “use advanced technology to facilitate learning”.
• 37% of high school graduates have promised to go back to school “more times than they can count”
• 81% of respondents believe that online colleges/universities are “on the rise,” compared to just 12% of traditional campus colleges/universities.

The survey targeted 1,000 respondents between the ages of 26 and 48 who were considering enrolling in a higher-education program in the next two years to gain insights regarding their motivations and barriers relating to higher education. Detailed consumer poll data and select infographics are available upon request.

For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu/belong.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.