Ten Most Popular Online Schools
In the Fall of 2009, the US Department of Education published enrollment statistics for a number of online schools in response to the growing popularity of distance education. By looking at enrollment trends we can pick out the top ten most popular online colleges and universities.
Keep in mind, of course, that size isn't everything. Just because one school is a popular choice doesn't mean that a smaller school won't be the perfect fit for you. We recommend requesting information from a variety of potential schools so that you can make the best choice.
- University of Phoenix
- weighing in with a total enrollment of over 338,000 back in 2009, chances are that if you've heard of any online university it's this one. Phoenix is a pioneer in its approach to teaching both online and on campus. Students can choose a between a completely online education, a traditional campus-based program, or a combination of the two for those who want to enjoy the benefits of both. 
Kaplan University - Listed in the Department of Education's survey with an enrollment of just over 70,000, Kaplan also overs both online and on-campus programs. Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Strayer University - Named for S. Irving Strayer, who founded the university in 1892, Strayer had an online enrollment of 54,325 in 2009. Intended for students who may have oblligations outside of school, Strayer offers both synchronus (real-time) and asynchronus (any time) online learning opportunities.
Ashford University - This school was founded in 1918 as Mount St. Clare Academy, and has maintained accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1950. They are also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are a member of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.
Liberty University - Liberty students are proud to attend the largest university in Virginia, the largest private non-profit school in the nation, and the largest Christian university in the world. It's not the oldest university in the list, having been founded in 1970, but it enrolled over 46,000 students by 2009.
Walden University - This accredited online university has also been around since 1970, and enrolls more than 40,000 students. In addition to two types of institutional accreditation, Walden also boasts 6 programmatic accreditations in business and healthcare fields.
University of Maryland, University College - UMUC is accredited by the University System of Maryland, along with ten other schools. The Department of Education reported a total enrollment of 37,347 in 2009, but the globally-focused school claims to serve 90,000 domestic and international students today. 
Grand Canyon University - GCU is a private Christian university based in Arizona. It was founded in 1949 and enrolled more than 34,000 students by 2009. It has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.
Capella University - Capella is a charter member of the Academic Quality Improvement Program of the NCA, in which schools submit to an ongoing regimen of academic goal-setting rather than a traditional 10-year accreditation cycle. This allows the university and its 32,000+ students to maintain an alternative form of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. 
American Public University System - Like UMUC, APUS is a globally-focused distance learning institution. While the Department of Education counted 31,331 enrolled students in 2009, the university itself reports more than 90,000 students when the other 99 countries it serves are considered. Like many online schools, the majority of APUS students are working adults, often balancing work and family obligations with their education.
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