In-Person vs Online Learning Statistics

We have all had to adapt in recent years and that has meant our education system has been forced to be restructured. The traditional classroom setting has had to change rapidly, and online learning has been on the rise ever since. More and more students and schools are transitioning to online learning and enrollment has never been higher.

This raises the question ‘How does online learning compare to traditional learning?’ Stick around to find out the top education statistics and facts in 2022.

Top In-Person Vs Online Learning Statistics & Trends in 2023

Online vs Traditional Learning Statistics & Trends in 2023 in detail

We will take a look at the top Online vs Traditional Learning statistics in 2023 and compare these two methods of learning.

1. The number of online learning platform users is expected to reach 57 million by 2027

(Source: Prosperityforamerica)

The rate of users turning to online learning is growing rapidly each year, due to it convenience and low cost. The online learning market is growing on a wide scale globally.

2. 70% of students agree that online classes are better than traditional classroom settings

(Source: University of the Potomac)

A report from the University of Potomac has found a large percentage of its students prefer online learning over a traditional learning setting. This preferred way of distance learning is based on advantages like reduced expenses, time-saving allowing learning to fit around your schedule and by using technology, you become more tech-savvy than ever.

3. Since 2020, 98% of Universities have moved its classes online

(Source: Higher Ed Partners)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education was quickly moved online and remote learning has now become the norm. This education revolution was already starting well before the pandemic due to technology changes and student behavior, but the pandemic accelerated this change, and it’s here to stay.

4. 77% of academic leaders believe online education is equal or superior to learning in the classroom

(Source: Forbes)

A survey by Babson College Board found that nearly 80% of academic leaders believe online learning is equal or superior to traditional learning. Over 69% of chief academic officers believe online learning is a critical part of the long-term education strategy.

5. Elearning can help students retain between 25% and 60% more information

(Source: eLearning Industry)

The rates of retaining information have increased with online learning because learners have more control over their distance learning experience with the ability to go back and revisit video classes or their online course material at a touch of a button.

6. 95% of online students said they would recommend online education to others

(Source: bestcolleges.com)

The data collected for this report is from 351 school administrators and 1,800 students. This findings are based on student satisifcation.

7. Online learning uses 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student compared to learning in a traditional setting

(Source: The Open University in Britain)

Online learning can help reduce the use of raw materials like plastic, wood and metals as there is no need to construct or expand schools and educational institutions. As well as that, it reduces the food waste and disposable lunch products of students and teachers. So, it’s a no-brainer really that online learning is more sustainable and helps generate less carbon dioxide as a whole.

8. Global E-learning Market to reach USD $457.8 billion by 2026

(Source: Reportlinker.com)

Online learning is one of the most important parts of the modern educational system. The global elearning market is growing at a rapid rate in every corner of the world. So whether you are an elementary student, a K 12 student, in higher education or part of a company and online training, it is very likely you have been introduced to online learning.

9. Elearning requires 40% to 60% less time learning than traditional classrooms

(Source: Brandon-Hall Group)

Online learning is definitely more time effective than traditional face-to-face teaching when you consider the time it takes you to commute to and from the classroom, plus the typical overrunning of a typical class. If you are looking for a more productive and time effective way of learning than remote learning from the comfort of your own home is the one.

10. An online degree is more than $10K cheaper than a traditional on campus degree

(Source: Education Data Initiative)

A report from the Education Data Initiative that looked at 4 year degrees in US public colleges considered tuition costs, living costs, food, school supplies combined and found that an online degree worked out at $10,776 cheaper than an in-person degree.

11. 60% of US graduates choose an online program because of its affordability

(Source: Statista)

A survey by Research.com of 1,500 online graduates and undergraduates found that the top factors for choosing an online program from an online community college due to its affordability, closely followed by the reputation of the school/program and the quickest path to getting the qualification.

12. 63% of educational institutions made significant investments supporting online learning in 2020

(Source: Quality Matters CHLOE Project)

During 2020, over 50% of educational institutions in the US invested in supporting distance learning. At the time this was crucial and for some institutions it is here to stay.

13. Students can retain 25% to 60% more information when learning online

(Source: Thinkimpact)

On average, students can retain 25% to 60% more information when learning online compared to 8% to 10% when in the classroom.

14. 73% of US students want to continue taking online classes after the pandemic

(Source: Campustechnology)

A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of students, said that they would take some or all of their classes online post-pandemic.

15. Western Governers University in Utah was ranked first for distance learning courses in 2022.

(Source: Statistica)

A 2023 survey by Statistica, found that out of all distance learning institutions in the US, the Western Governors University in Utah was ranked first with 136,139 students enrolling.

16. Online learning courses that are 4 weeks long have the highest completion rate

(Source: Coursera)

Coursera courses that are roughly a month long have the highest completion rate, if it includes a new concept each week and hands-on learning.

17. One-fourth of MasterClass students say that taking MasterClass classes have transformed their lives.

(Source: MasterClass)

According to a report by techcrunch it has found that a quarter of MasterClass students say that taking these classes have changed their lives.

18. Approximately 62% of students taking online courses are female

(Source: Forbes)

The number of female students surpassed male students in both full-time and part-time enrollments, making up more than half at 62%.

19.Elearning requires 40-60% less time than traditional learning

(Source: Shiftelearning)

Learning online typically requires 40-60% less time than learning the same material in a traditional classroom setting.

Online Learning Statistics for K-12 in 2023

The K-12 education system (aged 4-16) was highly affected by the global pandemic and forced to move its learning online.

20. 477 full-time virtual schools enrolled more than 300K US K-12 public school students

(Source: NEPC Resources)

During 2019-20, 40 states had virtual or blended learning schools. There were 477 full-time virtual schools that enrolled 332,379 students, and 306 blended schools that enrolled 152,530 students.

21. In 2020, the graduation rate for K-12 students was just 54.6%

(Source: NEPC Resources)

The National Education Policy Center Report 2021 found that the graduation rates of K-12 was significantly lower with just 54.6% of virtual schools and 64.3% in blended schools when the overall average of national graduation rate is 85%.

22. 15% of US households with school-age children do not have internet at home

(Source: Pew Research Center)

A report from the Pew Research Center has found that 15% of US households with children aged between 6 and 17 do not have a high-speed internet connection at home. These findings coincide with the annual household income with the majority of the 15% being from households earning less than $30K a year.

23. Americans with lower incomes have less technology adoption

(Source: Pew Research Center)

The Pew Research Center report of 2021 has highlighted that household incomes of less than $30K a year found 24% don’t have a smartphone, 43% don’t have a desktop or laptop and 4 in 10 adults do not have broadband services.

24. The Covid-19 Pandemic shut down schools for 1.6 billion students in its peak

(Source: UNICEF)

Schools were closed for an average of 4.5 months, affecting an estimated 1.6 billion students and creating what the United Nations has called the largest disruption to education in history. Even 2 years into the pandemic, 48 countries had not yet fully reopened their schools, according to the UN cultural organization UNESCO.

Pros & Cons of In-Person Learning

Pros & Cons of Online Learning

Online Learning Vs Traditional Learning Statistics: Last Thoughts

With all these education statistics as well as the pros and cons, it’s hard to choose one or another. I think it’s important to consider the individual person and their circumstances like age, income, purpose of learning.

But what we can’t deny is that online learning is on the rise, and it is providing access to learning to more people than ever globally. Like anything in this life, both styles of learning have their pros and cons.

Some key takeaways of online learning vs traditional learning:

• More affordable than an on-campus program
• Time Saving and Flexibility
• Lack of social contact and community
• Less opportunity to ask questions

Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Article Updates:

07/20/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Statistics 2023

06/26/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Statistics 2023

05/19/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Statistics 2023

05/09/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

03/23/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

03/06/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

02/24/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

02/02/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

01/25/23 – Pros & Cons to In-Person Learning Added

01/17/23 – Added Pros to Online Learning

01/09/23 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics 2023

11/18/22 – Added in-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistic

09/28/22 – Added an FAQ to In-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics

09/08/22 – General Update on Online College & Community College

08/22/22 – Added Top In-Person vs Distance Learning Statistics & FAQ

08/16/22 – Added Infographics & Top In-Person vs Online Learning Statistics

08/10/22 – Added FAQ to In-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics

08/05/22 – Updated In-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics

07/29/22 – Published In-Person vs Online Learning Education Statistics

Catherine Cooke

Hey. I am Catherine and I have been working as a freelancer for many years now. In 2005, I graduated from a BA honours in Art & Design from BCU and then went onto complete a Master’s Degree in Teaching from UEL. The skills I gained from learning and teaching have led me to create Upskillwise, a place for learners like myself to find the best possible resources and courses to train and upskill themselves, either personally or professionally. If you have a question, please feel free to ask me anything or leave me a comment.