2011-04-08 00:41:15 - The number of students taking online classes rose by almost one million students last year. Meanwhile, the online programs of Virginia College made a Top 25 ranking from the Best Colleges website.

The 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning says online enrollment rose nationally by almost one million students from a year earlier. The survey of more than 2,500 colleges and universities indicates that approximately 5.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2009, the most recent term for which figures are available.

Study co-author Elaine Allen, Co-Director of the Babson Survey Research Group and Professor of Statistics & Entrepreneurship at Babson College, reported nearly 30% of all college students now take at least one course online. Three-quarters of institutions report that the economic downturn has increased demand for online courses and programs.

Meanwhile, the Best Colleges website has ranked the online programs of Virginia College in its recent

Top 25 poll. With 18 on-ground career colleges in nine states, Virginia College rated favorably in categories including student satisfaction, graduation and retention rates, affordability, and credibility.

Data was gathered from independent sources like The National Center for Education Statistics and College Results Online, as well as from school websites and direct conversations with school representatives. The survey said that Virginia College’s online program’s solid student satisfaction indicators “suggest a good online experience for students.”