The interest in online programming has been growing by leaps and bounds each year due to its overall convenience for students. But the current gas crisis has given prospective adults one more reason to think seriously about the online degree option.

Over at Degree.com, interest in online programming grew 38 percent for the recent two month period of April-May (2008) as compared to February-March of 2008. Utilizing an informal survey of site visitors, the web site reports that the #1 reason for students being interested in an online degree was "higher gas prices."

Roughly 60 percent of the respondents stipulated gas prices as being the number one catalyst for their interest. Traditional reasons were also given, areas including convenience, parking, scheduling and the cost of classes.

A 2007 survey of visitors revealed the number one factor as overall "convenience." At that time, gas prices were not even mentioned by the surveyed students.