Going to college and staying in the dorms has been a rite of passage into adulthood for most middle-class Americans since the first colony was founded (Jamestown) in 1607. However, the pandemic may have changed that. Yes, youngsters are still going to college after graduating from high school, but not in the numbers as before the pandemic. Also, more and more are choosing the online version of higher education. It’s time to explore this development in more detail.
The Stats Speak the Truth
Before discussing this topic in more detail, it’s time to delve into some interesting stats that may highlight recent developments in the American tertiary educational system. Online learning has grown by 900% since it was first introduced in 2000. Seventy percent of students favor online learning over traditional in-class lectures and instruction.
Also, there are expected to be approximately 57 million students enrolled in online schools worldwide by 2027. Businesses may be catching on because 80% of corporations currently offer online education and training. And the list goes on and on.
Online Education is Clearly Taking off in America
Many experts forecast that 2025 will be the year that will see many more online college freshmen and students than those enrolled in traditional college campuses. Interestingly, while total college enrollment dropped by 6% since the pandemic, those enrolled in online institutions increased by a staggering 33%. Interestingly enough, the number of youngsters who decided to go into the workforce right out of high school dropped by 37%.
Interestingly Enough, Online Schools Tend to Have Higher tuition
You read that right, in general, it costs more to go to an online school than to a traditional school? Why is that? The answer may stun you. Many schools use online tuition to pay for marketing and other costs that go into running a school. Interestingly enough, much of the online tuition monies go into tutoring and counseling online students.
Not surprisingly, students attending online universities tend to get worse grades than those who attend traditional institutions.
Why is Online Education So Popular Now?
Unlike as in the past, many students tend to be older when they are in university. That means that they tend to have full-time jobs. These students prefer online courses because they are more convenient and flexible. Students also love the fact that they can take classes whenever and wherever they want–even then bathing or cooking!
