Prospectiv Survey Reveals Strong Consumer Confidence in the Value of Online Education Programs; Findings also point to consumer reliance on online resources when researching university degree and certificate programs

Business Wire, Nov 1, 2005

WOBURN, Mass. -- Consumer perceptions of the value of online education programs are improving, according to the survey findings released today from Prospectiv's Consumer Preference Index (CPI). Eighty-four percent surveyed strongly agree or agree that the reputation and value of online education programs is improving. In fact, nearly 69 percent rate online educational programs equally or more valuable when compared to traditional campus-based programs.

CPI also revealed that 57 percent of respondents believe that prospective employers would rate online education programs as more or equally valuable as traditional campus-based programs, demonstrating strong consumer confidence in the value of enrolling in online education course offerings.

Additionally, the survey findings indicate that the Internet is a valuable tool for consumers seeking information about university degree and certificate programs. Nearly 82 percent of those polled said they begin their education research efforts through websites, email offers and online advertisements.

Other findings of note:

  --  Respondents who are currently enrolled or interested in
      enrolling in an online program said their main reasons for
      doing so include:

        --  time limitations (no time for in-class sessions due to
            working full-time or being a stay-at-home parent)

        --  cost savings

        --  location (not having an on-campus educational institute
            nearby)

Courses of study in business, healthcare and education were cited by survey respondents as the most interesting online education offerings selected from a list of subject areas that also included criminal justice, finance, information technology (IT) and liberal arts & general studies.

For more information, please contact Tom Francoeur at 781-388-7900, ext 205, or by email at tfrancoeur@topazpartners.com

About Prospectiv's Consumer Preference Index (CPI)

Millions of active, self-profiled consumers have registered at Prospectiv's vertically-targeted online properties - - Eversave.com (connects consumers with quality offers from leading brands), TheKnowledgeStop.com(premier resource for online and campus-based education and degree programs), and Healthy-Individual.com(online resource focused on health and well-being offers) - enabling Prospectiv to compile insightful survey data for advertisers and marketers. Prospectiv's 20-point data authentication, cleansing and validation process ensures the database of self-profiled consumers is current, active, and accurate in order to deliver the highest quality data to clients.

About Prospectiv

Prospectiv provides industry-leading customer acquisition, email marketing and data analytics solutions to leading consumer brand marketers. The company's solutions enable the world's best brands to find and build profitable relationships with the right customers through multiple online channels, proprietary Customer Acquisition Optimizer technology, and comprehensive data validation. Millions of active, self-profiled consumers have registered at Prospectiv's vertically-targeted online properties - Eversave.com, TheKnowledgeStop.com and Healthy-Individual.com. Prospectiv generates more than 50 million pre-qualified responses per year on a pay-for-results basis for clients, including many Fortune 1000 companies such as Procter and Gamble, Wal-Mart, Pfizer, Dell, Nestle and Schering-Plough. Founded in 1999, Prospectiv is privately-held and is based in Woburn, Ma. Please visit http://www.prospectiv.com for more information.