Ohio's Higher Education Condition

Ohio's Board of Regents believes that the focus of higher education in the state should be on productivity and economic development. Part of its recommendations is focused on technology, including an expansion of online learning. Several websites direct would-be students to online learning facilities, and plenty of colleges and universities already offer some Internet-based learning. But the Board recognizes that room for improvement continues to exist.

Around one-half million students enroll in college in Ohio each year. However, 25 to 49 year old adults in Ohio enroll far less often than elsewhere throughout the country. For Ohio to be able to become an international competitor, it must be able to get older adults back into the higher education system in order to earn their degrees and advance their careers. The Board estimates that at least 230,000 more students each year must be added in order to reach an appreciable degree of economic competitiveness.

The best way to do this, of course, is through online degree programs which allow students to study at times that are convenient for them. Obviously, part of the plan is to keep graduates in the state, as well as to attract more students from out of state.

Online library resources are increasingly being used by students, which has helped alleviate the need for considerably larger library facilities. However, many of Ohio's physical college campuses are sorely in need of renovation, but the state lacks the money to take care of these needs. Once again, with higher education available online, students need not worry about their surroundings - they can simply take their classes at home.

Half of all e-learning enrollments in Ohio are adults over the age of 25. In fact, Ohio's online enrollment growth rate actually exceeds that of the nation in general, and 63 percent of all public undergraduate students who enroll in online courses are from Ohio's technical and community college communities.

Ohio has recently added $50 million in scholarships in order to attract talented residents to local schools. Many high school students in Ohio are seeking a higher education in response to the recession and projected career outlook information in the state.

If you're considering going back to school, be sure to explore the financial aid options available to Ohio residents, as well as the Internet-based courses and programs of study from which you can choose. This is the perfect time to start moving in the direction of a college degree and a new career.