UMassOnline Revenue Grows 30 Percent and Enrollments Grow 19 Percent in Fiscal Year 2005

Tuesday April 5, 4:30 pm ET
SHREWSBURY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2005--UMassOnline, the University of Massachusetts' Web-based learning division, today announced that online education program revenue and enrollments grew by 30 percent and 19 percent, respectively, in fiscal year 2005 (July 2004 - June 2005). Revenue from the University of Massachusetts' system online programs was $16 million, up from $12 million in FY 2004. Enrollments reached 17,554, up from 14,702 in FY 2004. More than 90 percent of the revenue is retained by the UMass campuses to support education and research programs.
"I attribute our rapid growth largely to our product offerings," said David Gray, UMassOnline CEO. "UMassOnline has what students are looking for: high quality, accredited distance education programming delivered by world class faculty. We recently added five new programs to our portfolio, including the Medical School's Continuing Medical Education program. Reputation matters too. Students and employers recognize that and are drawn to our award winning programs. The Med School recently ranked 4th in primary care education by U.S. News & World Reports." Gray concluded, "We will continue to analyze market demand for new program opportunities that meet the needs of today's lifelong learners."
Janet McClelland, a working mother with a very demanding job as a leader in Community Health and Hospice, agrees that UMassOnline is meeting a critical need for today's busy students. "I am now a graduate student in the Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program. Online learning offers the flexibility to complete assignments around my busy schedule, individualized classroom discussions, and the opportunity to receive feedback whenever it is necessary." Janet adds, "I am able to maintain my family life, demanding work schedule, and continue my education. I would not have done it any other way."

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