CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Apr 07, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Results of a major nationwide survey examining the effect of the
recession on adult learners underscore the importance of keeping higher
education tuition affordable, and reinforce American
Public University System's (http://www.apus.edu)
(APUS) focus on offering high-value, career-relevant, online degree
programs, APUS President Wallace E. Boston, Jr. said today.
Higher education research and consulting firm Eduventures, Inc.
conducted the survey of more than 1,500 prospective adult students. The
recently released results indicate that while most adult learners
believe that additional education is of increased personal value, their
higher education choices have been impacted by the recession. Of the
respondents, 59% said they were more likely to enroll in a less
expensive course or school, and 42% said they were more likely to enroll
in an online course or program, in response to current economic
conditions.
"For far too long, we've taken it as an article of faith that a college
education must be costly, and that tuitions will always increase," said
Mr. Boston. "The Eduventures survey shows that those past practices of
assuming the student will pay the increased tuition need to change, and
sends a very clear message to all of us in higher education. Adult
learners continue to place a high value on post-secondary education, and
the survey indicates that they are now increasingly attracted to degree
programs that are affordable, online, and have direct relevance to their
careers."
APUS universities, American Military University (AMU) and American
Public University (APU), are respected adult-serving institutions of
higher education with a reputation for high quality, affordable online
degree programs, according to Mr. Boston. "As a nation, we all share a
responsibility for promoting educational attainment. At APUS, our
mission aligns with that of our country's public policy--to make higher
education more accessible, affordable and attainable," he added.
About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited and
serves more than 45,000 students worldwide through two universities - American
Public University (www.studyatapus.com)
and American
Military University (http://www.amuonline.com).
APUS's relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility allows working
adults to pursue degrees that will help them advance in a variety of
career fields, including business, information technology, education and
management. APUS also provides specialized education in homeland
security, national security and emergency and disaster management. A
university book grant provides textbooks at no cost to eligible
undergraduate students. American Public University System is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc.
(NASDAQ:APEI). For more information, please visit http://www.americanpubliceducation.com/.
SOURCE: American Public University System
American Public University System
Renée Williams Hockaday, 703-334-3868
rhockaday@apus.edu