A study was conducted at South Carolina's Technical College of the Lowcountry to compare the success rates of students enrolled in distance education courses to those of students in traditional courses. Average grades, completion rates, and withdrawal rates were analyzed for students in 11 courses, with outcomes compared for students enrolled in distance sections in fall 1996, and traditional sections taught by the same instructor the previous fall. Results indicated that distance students' average grades were .27 points higher than those received by students in traditional courses. Students in distance courses also had higher completion rates than traditional students, with 75% of the 220 distance students and 72% of the 457 traditional students successfully completing the course. Withdrawal rates, however, were higher for distance students, with 21% withdrawing, compared to 19% of the traditional students. Data tables showing average grades, success rates, and withdrawal rates by section; grade distributions; and grade distribution percentages are included. (BCY)