Jones International University to participate in Distance Education Demonstration Program
Jones International University (www.jonesinternational.edu), a fully online, regionally accredited university, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Distance Education Demonstration Program (DEDP), online at www.ed.gov/programs/disted, which gives JIU students access to federal financial aid in the first half of the year. Currently, the "50% Rule" prohibits institutions from receiving federal aid if more than half of their courses are offered only through e-learning or if more than half of their students are enrolled in distance education programs. Through the DEDP, these stipulations are waived for the qualifying 29 institutions enrolled. Many believe that such programs are the first step in the process of recognizing e-learning as a valid and essential method of education for the future.
This article originally appeared in the 03/01/2004 issue of THE Journal.