Updated: Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Proposed research will examine how flexible, competency-based degree programs can help improve graduation rates among low-income and minority students.

The study will be funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has been prompted by the growing popularity of online instruction among students as well as prospective employers.

Those who consider pursuing an online degree usually come from among the ranks of working parents or busy professionals who cannot take time off to enroll in a traditional program.

However, a recent Gates Foundation-commissioned study determined the challenge of juggling work and class schedules is one of the largest hurdles facing young people as they try to earn a degree.

Yet, the importance of studying ways of facilitating this process is underscored by studies which consistently show that salaries of those with college degrees outstrip the earnings of those without higher education.

For example, figures from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2007 show the average earnings for a male with a high school education were $42,466, while for those with a bachelors degree they were $88,843.

For women in the same categories, the average salaries were $29,410 and $59,052, respectively.

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