The best thing about online degrees is the flexibility they offer to a wide variety of students. It seems 'minority' groups are finding online courses especially helpful.

A black woman, Estes recalls feeling some professors judged her by skin color as she earned a chemistry degree at the University of Illinois. That's not an issue as she seeks her doctorate in epidemiology through Minneapolis-based Walden University.

"Everyone, to me at least, is judged on a fair basis," Estes said. "When you're online, nobody's a minority."

Colleges long have agonized about how to get more minority students into advanced degree programs. A recent report by the Council of Graduate Schools shows some encouraging growth, but overall enrollment remains low.

At a few institutions, though, the numbers are surprisingly large. That includes Walden, a for-profit, accredited school where nearly all the work is done online.

Have you noticed a difference in how you are treated in online classes?