In a recent study published by the joint efforts of the Penn State University Office of Outreach Marketing and Communications and the University Continuing Education Association, it seems the mega-boom in online university enrollment can primarily be contributed to adult continuing education students. Researchers estimate that online college enrollment will grow 10(!) times faster than 'traditional' enrollment over the next 10 years.

Up to 45 percent of colleges and university enrollment is from adult learners, many of whom sign-up for distance learning classes rather than on-campus classes. Revenues for continuing education rose 67 percent at responding institutions since the previous survey in 2004. The trend is expected to grow distance learning 10 times faster than campus classes over the next decade. The growth in distance learning is driven by the growth of interactive marketing.

This does seem fitting when you consider the idea behind the impetus of online education: to break down any barriers--including common ones such as years spent away from school-- and spread the access of knowledge to anyone who seeks it.