In Polk County Florida, a recent County Business Journal survey reveals a universally positive viewpoint regarding online programming. Every major employer surveyed by the Business Journal affirmed their support for workers taking online coursework.

State Farm spokesman Michael Grimes was quoted as being fully in "support of online degree programs." Grimes also noted the State Farm, one of Polk County's major employers, made tuition reimbursement available for those employees taking such courses.

Another large employer in the state, Publix, also offers reimbursement for employees taking online courses. Publix employs more than 9,000 workers nationally.

In addition to the County Business Journal survey, a recent survey by the Distance Education and Training Council gave nearly the same upbeat support. In the DETC survey, more than 70 percent of corporate supervisors rate online degrees as "just as valuable" or "more valuable" than traditional degrees in the same field.