Student graduation studies in online education

Shifts in student characteristics, technology, and government regulations have led to the growth of online learning as a valuable delivery model for higher education institutions. In 2006, 3.5 million college students took at least one online course. However, due to the limited availability of research on the topic, the effect of online participation on student graduation outcomes is uncertain. This study focuses on graduation rates at a regionally-accredited, multi-campus, online and on-ground career college. Through logistic regression, the study indicated students that completed 44.6% of their courses online graduated at the highest rate, with 100% online students graduating at a slightly lower rate than 100% on-ground students. Demographic variables and program selection also affected a student\u27s graduation probability. Additionally, the data showed that online participation was more beneficial for students in courses that prepare students for technology-related careers, like business and legal studies but for culinary arts and health professions. Application of these findings could allow institutions to more appropriately allocate online education resources to help students improve their odds of graduating