The purpose of the study was to evaluate an undergraduate distance education (DE) programme based upon adult learners' perceptions. The study investigated the value of the Human Resource Development programme at the University of Arkansas by examining the students' reasons for returning to college, their attitudes towards the programme and the impact that the programme has had upon their lives. The respondents viewed DE as the best opportunity for adult students to complete their degrees. Female participants had significantly more positive attitudes towards DE than male participants did. The respondents had positive attitudes towards the learning environment, the instructors in the programme, the cohort design of the programme and the content of the programme. However, there were mixed opinions concerning the economic benefit of participation in the programme.