One indicator is the number and pattern of online enrollments nationwide. For the past three years, the Sloan foundation has surveyed United States institutions to determine the extent of online learning nationwide [2]. The surveys reveal that students taking at least one online course increased from 1,602,970 in Fall 2002, to 1,971,397 in Fall 2003, and to 2,634,189 in Fall 2004. This increase represents an average growth rate of 19.8% in Fall 02–Fall 03, and 24.8% in Fall 03–Fall 04 [1].

Another indicator is the ratio of growth at individual institutions. The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is one of 11 institutions in the University of Maryland system. It is the only campus that focuses on working adults and part-time learners. The student population includes those in the United States as well as members of the armed forces worldwide, with a current headcount of 88,052. UMUC began to offer online degrees in 1998, and has added regularly to the options. At present UMUC offers 17 graduate degrees and 14 undergraduate degrees online. Growth in online enrollments has been substantial, including the proportional increase with respect to total enrollments.

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