Free online degrees: Fact or fiction? A study to determine the feasibility of the delivery of a tuition -free online degree

This research investigated the feasibility of a tuition-free online college degree. The perceptions of three stakeholders were explored to determine what was necessary to make tuition-free online degrees a reality using the commoditization of online students' Web site visiting trends. The stakeholders were online college students and distance education leaders from a Mid-western regional university, and business leaders from national for-profit corporations.;The study revolved around the willingness of online students to exchange their Web site visiting trends with businesses that would agree to pay their online tuition, and whether university distance education leaders would agree to facilitate the exchange. Research methodology used for the study included Web-based surveys, synchronous virtual focus groups for online students, and asynchronous electronic interviews for distance education leaders and business leaders.;Quantitative results revealed that online students would agree to exchange their Web site visiting trends to businesses that would agree to pay their online tuition. Qualitative results identified conditions that were necessary to initiate the exchange.;While distance education leaders did not wish to directly facilitate the exchange of Web site visiting trends between online students and businesses, the Delphi method uncovered conditions necessary to allow an exchange to take place.;Business leaders expressed interest in online students' Web site visiting trends and indicated several conditions they felt necessary before they would agree to pay for online students' Web site visiting trends.