US universities recruiting online students from abroad?

The latest Online Report Card for the US based on enrolments in 2014 made the growth of distance education patterns more obvious, with one in four students (28%) in the USA now taking, at least, one distance education course, 217,275 more than in 2013. While most universities are fully focused on domestic students, some universities and colleges see a larger share of students from outside the USA. We take a closer look at the top 5 distance education providers that have a stronger international perspective: Walden University, the American Public University System, Fort Hayes State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho and the University of Phoenix-Arizona.

1. Walden University

Walden University is a proprietary institution that was founded in 1970 by two teachers seeking a better way for adults to pursue advanced degrees without leaving the workforce. This vision meant rethinking a brick-and-mortar classroom to allow broader access to distance education. At Walden, knowledge is considered most valuable when put to use in organisations, communities and families. The university offers over 75 online degree programmes with more than 385 specialisations and concentrations, all designed to help professionals gain the knowledge they need to have a real impact on their lives and the lives of others. Walden offers more than 80-degree programmes with more than 370 specialisations and concentrations in several areas of study, including health sciences, counselling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, and information technology. Currently, 4275 of the 48.982 students are enrolled online at Walden University.

2.  American Public University System

American Public University (APU) is a leading provider of quality, affordable online education to motivated students worldwide. Recognised by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) for best practises in online education—they have earned their reputation by never forgetting our students are priority one. The university is a proprietary institution, has been offering online bachelor’s degree programmes since 1995-1996. The majority of the online classes are recorded and archived so students can access lecture material at their convenience. Approximately 40 online bachelor’s degree programmes are offered at APUS, including accounting, homeland security, business administration, sports and health science, and retail management. APUS does not operate any brick-and-mortar educational facilities and all degrees are earned entirely online. Students have access to many academic resources, including a 24/7 online library, writing workshops, live tutoring and mentoring. Approximately 40 online bachelor’s degree programmes are offered at APUS, including accounting, homeland security, business administration, sports and health science, and retail management. The University offers cutting edge programmes taught by faculty who combine relevant theory with real-world experience and solid academic credentials. Books/e-books are provided at no extra charge to students. Courses are delivered asynchronously providing the ability for students to log on and complete coursework when convenient. APUS’ recently launched mobile app allows students to become mobile learners. Currently, there are about 3,776 students enrolled in online programmes at the American Public University.

3.  Fort Hays State University

FHSU is the leading forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university of the Midwest. Founded in 1902, the university has long had a policy of making information readily available and ensures compliance with federal HEA and HEOA legislation. FHSU offers single classes but also Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Students are encouraged to study anytime, anywhere, in programmes ranked Best Online that are among the least expensive in the United States. As a result, students graduate with a deep appreciation of knowledge as well as professional skills and confidence that give them a competitive edge in their careers, now and for a lifetime. Enrolment of more than 13,000 student and hundreds of certificate and degree programmes offered. Fort Hays State University, located in the heart of Kansas, is a true world leader in distance education, offering over 40 online degrees specifically designed for adult learners. FHSU’s online degree programmes are fully accredited, affordable and utilise the latest in learning technology for the best values in higher education nowadays. About 3,212 students are currently enrolled in their online programmes.

4. Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho was founded in 1888 s Bannock Stake Academy, then became Ricks College in 1903, and finally Brigham Young-Idaho in 2001. Brigham Young University-Idaho serves 18.110 students whereof 2,624 are enrolled online. The institution offers 18 associate degrees and more than 70 bachelor’s degrees. Brigham Young University-Idaho comprises six colleges and 37 departments. Programmes are available in several areas including art, agriculture life sciences, automotive technology, business communication, chemistry, dance, design construction management, English, geology, language letters, nursing, religious education, sociology, and teacher education. Brigham Young University also offers four online associate degrees in administrative assistant/office management, family history research, general studies, medical assisting, and web design & development. Nine bachelor’s degrees are available online through Brigham Young University-Idaho, including degrees in applied management, business management, healthcare administration, nursing, and web design. More than 100 online courses are also available.

Flickr User Tom Baddley

5. University of Phoenix-Arizona

The University of Phoenix first established in 1976 by Dr. John Sperling. What began in Phoenix, Arizona, grew to become the largest private university in North America with locations nationwide. Now, students come here for an education that is relevant to their lives, and to the world around them. Today, the school offers a wide selection of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. While the University of Phoenix offers campus instruction, its primary focus is to provide flexible learning opportunities for working adults. Thanks to these distance education options, students can pursue an online degree while enjoying the freedom that comes with setting their own study schedules.

Leaders in international education are expecting the demand for distance and blended courses to grow significantly over the coming five years, not just among domestic students, but also internationally. International students looking for online courses are significantly different from those looking for a campus education in the USA: they are less motivated by visas and more interested in the quality of education they will receive, they are usually older and have already accumulated extensive work knowledge in their field. If we look at Georgia Tech’s successful MOOC-like online Computer Science Master, which enrolled 3,300 students last autumn (20% of which are international) in one programme, you can start to envision the potential growth of online programmes in the US and their capacity for attracting international students.