US undergraduates are increasingly seeking online education: Editorial

The numbers of traditional-age students at online institutions has surged in the United States, writes Susan D’Agostino. D’Agostino writes that the US has seen tens of thousands of traditional-age students enrolling in national online institutions, rather than pursuing degrees at in-person institutions. Students are attracted to the idea of gaining a certification in less time, saving money, and having the flexibility to balance their studies with their work and family obligations, writes D’Agostino. A recent US survey also found that the numbers of students planning to attend online classes has more than doubled since the pandemic. The author discusses the impact that this influx of students into online institutions may have on smaller institutions that are facing declining enrolment, and how the change in student behaviour could lead to larger enrolments at online institutions if students enjoy their online classes. Inside Higher Ed (Acct. Req.) Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.