Online programs are gaining as much—if not more—clout than colleges’ and universities’ on-campus offerings, and a new report from Risepoint shows this can’t be more true for adult learners and first-generation students.
Of the 3,460 people surveyed who are seeking to enroll, currently enrolled or have graduated from an online program within the last 12 months, 90% believe the quality of an online degree is comparable to or better than an on-campus diploma. The mean age of survey respondents was 38, and Risepoint found a “significant portion” were also first-generation, which, in last year’s report, made up one-third of all respondents.
Online learners are busy balancing obligations outside of their education: 71% work full-time jobs and 48% have children under 18 years old. As a result, 22% have previously stopped out from pursuing a credential due to unforeseen life events, costs and mental health challenges. However, the economic upside of earning a credential convinced them to return, with 90% stating they are pursuing a credential for career-related reasons. Of those who graduated recently, 92% are seeing tangible career outcomes, 44% saw salary increases and 36% have more confidence in the workforce.
Moreover, 48% of all online learners expressed a “strong inclination” to pursue additional programs after they complete their current one to remain competitive in their careers (54%), upskill (56%) and secure a pay increase (62%).
The flexibility of online learning is so imperative to their academic pursuit that 60% said they’d pursue enrollment elsewhere if the college they’re in now didn’t provide digital learning modalities. This may explain why the number of online learners enrolled in a college within a 100-mile proximity of where they live has dropped to 57%, a 13-percentage-point decrease from last year’s survey.
How can higher ed leaders improve their online programs
Risepoint’s “Voice of the Online Learner” report provided numerous tips on how institutions can better support their students. Here are three timely suggestions:
- Affordability is the most important decision factor: Keep tuition as affordable as possible via scholarships, grants and flexible payment options.
- Online learners need different types of support: Provide mentorship and academic advising for first-generation students.
- Prepare students for generative AI in the workforce: 80% of students agree it will impact their career in some fashion, and 55% anticipate new job opportunities. As a result, train faculty on these tools and establish use policies.
