After some initial credibility struggles, online degree programs have continued their steady growth over the past decade. The accelerated rate of student participation has led Eduventures of Boston to predict that by 2008 ten percent of all college students will be enrolled in some form of online degree program.

The profound growth is keyed by the non-traditional, adult learning force. Whereas many younger students still appear to prefer the college campus experience, adult learners are flocking to the Internet for courses that are delivered in a flexible time frame.

Maryland University College reports that it has gone from 9,700 online students eight years ago to more than 51,000 last year. In addition, World Wide Learn, the world's largest directory of educational services, has indicated that the enrollment of students seeking Associate, Master's and Bachelor degrees online is roughly ten times the projected rate set forth by the National Center for Education Statistics for the general post-secondary student population.

When it comes to online programs, associate degrees form the largest sector of Internet educational growth. As for specific areas of study, World Wide Learn lists the fastest growing individual online fields as Web Design and Development, Accounting and Finance, and Early Childhood Development.