For the most part, students in online degree and certificate programs are learning on their own. There's no pressure to show up to a physical classroom filled with other students and an instructor, for example, and many online learners need to complete their coursework and attend live sessions around a full-time job and family obligations.

As cost-effective alternatives to traditional college classes, online learning programs continue to gain steam in higher ed. According to statistics gathered for an Online Learning Consortium infographic, 5.8 million students are now enrolled in online courses, and the majority put tremendous stock in the quality of their education: 90 percent of students say their online learning experiences are the same or better than in-classroom options.

A new infographic from The Learning House offers insights into today's nontraditional student. Although online college enrollment continues to rise, some higher ed leaders still hold onto misconceptions about the types of students who pursue this alternative learning model.

Do you remember what inspired you to go to college? Take a minute, think back, and see if you can recall the specific moment. Maybe it was your first glimpse of a college campus near home. Maybe a trusted teacher encouraged you to study a field you loved.

Here are some statistics from the Dept. of Ed. article, "Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning".