Gas Prices Boost Online College Classes

Registration for online classes is soaring as fast as prices at the pump. With gas prices hitting closer to four dollars, college students are trading time with teachers for online courses.

At one community college, enrollment for distance education grew more than ten percent this year. It doesn't take a rocket science to understand it's expensive to commute to school. "I work six 6 days a week just to keep the bills up,” said student Jessie Rule." I live half an hour away from here, so that makes it tough on gas,” said student Amy Tempus. Chemical Engineering major Amy Tempus found a smart way to cut back her driving costs. "Signing up for college classes online!" said Tempus.

Gas prices are driving students to take more distance education courses. “I’m at nine hours right now, I want to hit thirteen,” said Tempus. Administrators say it's a program so popular; students can spend less time on campus, and more time at home. "They'll take Tuesday and Thursday classes, and several online courses. So they're only coming twice a week,” said one director of distance learning. If you don't think many students are turning to the computer for classes, just look at the parking lot. Even though enrollment's up, there aren't as many students driving to class.

"I don't want to spend my hard-earned money on gas. I'd rather spend it on food or getting coffee, fun stuff," said Tempus.