25+ In-Person vs Online Learning Statistics (2024)

Online courses have taken the world by storm. Accelerated by the pandemic, and the continuing rise of distance based learning, online courses are becoming increasingly common. 

However, the rise of such learning can be controversial. Is it really the best way to learn? Will all learning move to online platforms in the future? And what does this mean for you?

In this article, we will be highlighting some of the key statistics comparing in-person vs online learning. We’ll discuss the key differences between the two modes, and what the future may look like when it comes to online learning vs in person learning. 

Let's get into it. 

Top 10 In-Person vs Online Learning Statistics (Editor's Picks) 

1. Some things remain the same – Studies show that around 71% of students still prefer in-person learning 
2. Online learning is better for the environment. Online studying uses 87% less energy and 85% lower CO2 emissions than courses that are delivered fully in person 
3. Online learning is winning people over. 57% of students in recent surveys are more optimistic about online learning than they were pre-pandemic 
4. The business is huge: the market value for online-based learning platforms is predicted to reach $350 Billion by 2025.
5. Disparities are common – in the US, approximately 25% of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds do not have a computer to access online learning 
6. In-person courses see higher completion rates. The completion rates of online courses are around 8-14% lower, compared to in-person courses 
7. Online courses attract those looking to better their careers. 75% of online students surveyed stated that their main motivation was career advancement 
8. Online learning is on the rise. In Australian universities, there has been a 37.1% increase in enrollment in online or blended learning in the past 6 years 
9. Online is cheaper – for public 4-year colleges, tuition costs of online degrees are on average, $30,545 less 
10. About half of all students already have experience in online learning. 49% of students have undergone some form of online learning 

In-Person Learning Statistics 

• Children are still learning in person. In the US, children are still attending in person schools. With 83% attending public schools, 10% in private schools, and 7% of students attending public charter schools. 
• In-person teaching improved graduation rates after the pandemic. In 2021-2022, when most schools returned to face-to-face teaching, graduation rates improved. 
• In person learning still maintains its popularity. About 60% of university students prefer face to face teaching. Younger students showed an even stronger preference. In the first year of study, a whopping 85% of students preferred face to face teaching. 
• In person learning supports wellbeing. According to the US Department of Education, in person learning results in a greater level of student engagement, as well as better social and emotional well-being, compared to online learning. 
• Students learning in person performed better during the pandemic. Standardized testing showed that students who received in-person teaching performed better at English and math compared to students who received most of their learning online. 

Online Learning Statistics 

• Online learning is on the rise. In 2021, 61% of all undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one distance education course. 
• Completion rates are low. Whilst shorter courses have higher completion rates, the average completion rate of online courses is only about 13%. 
• Over 70% of students, education members and parents showed satisfaction with online education after the pandemic. 
• Students do better in online assessments. Most students, and in particular low performing students, tend to get much better grades in online assessments. It is thought students do about 10% better in online assessments, compared with in person. 
• Online learning is cheaper. Not only are online courses cheaper, but they save students money on travel costs, accommodation, and other education and living costs. It is estimated that for public 4 year colleges, tuition costs of online degrees is on average $30,545 less than in person courses.

Comparative Analysis 

Whilst both modes of learning have their various strengths and weaknesses, there are some clear patterns we can see when comparing the both. 

Online learning is better for people who require flexibility in their schedule. This method of learning is most popular amongst people with families, people who work full-time, and people who want to upskill in order to advance their careers. It's also great for people who live outside their study center, who cannot afford traditional means of study, and who are more introverted. 

In-person learning has higher completion rates, this means that people are less likely to drop out of in person courses. It also has also shown better results for children in comparison to online courses. For many people, the collaborative approach and structure of in person learning results in better learning. 

Hybrid Learning Statistics

Hybrid learning is becoming increasingly popular, and offers the benefits of both online and in person learning. This blended learning is partially delivered through online platforms, and partially through traditional in person classes. 

• Studies have found that 47% of students at university prefer hybrid learning 
• Sophomore students are more likely to prefer hybrid learning 
• 9 in 10 ​​higher education institutions in the US are planning to, or have already, set up systems for hybrid teaching 

Whilst many educational institutes relied solely on online and hybrid teaching during the pandemic, many continue to utilize hybrid modes of learning post-pandemic. For many learners, it can increase self-efficacy, offer flexibility, and free up more time to complete other non-academic tasks. 

Hybrid learning is expected to become the norm, with some face-to-face class time and some online lectures and assessments, for example. 

Factors Influencing Learning Mode Choice 

There is no doubt that online learning suits some learners better, whilst for others, in person learning remains the learning mode of choice. But what is influencing people to take up online learning post pandemic? 

1. Work 

Employment is one of the driving factors that push people to opt for online learning, which is more flexible than traditional in-person classes. Research shows that around 50% of undergraduate students who complete courses online are employed full-time, whilst a whopping 69% of postgraduate students are also working full-time. 

Online courses offer flexibility to these people and can be completed on the go. 

2. Family Responsibilities 

The flexibility offered by online courses has made them the learning mode of choice for many people with families. Online courses can be completed once the children are in bed, and assignments can be worked on whilst waiting for the children to finish swimming lessons, for example. 

They are also common among carers. 

Around 36% of people enrolled in online courses are also parents, highlighting the flexibility online learning can offer to families. 

3. Geographic Location 

Location is a clear factor for people enrolling in online courses over in person courses. Online courses can be completed from different towns, states, or even countries. With the option of obtaining qualifications from prestigious universities overseas for example, online studying becomes a more attractive option. 

4. Access to Technology 

Students, particularly those who are in a lower socioeconomic situation, may struggle to access the right technology required for online learning. These students will likely opt for traditional in-person teaching over online courses. 

5. Learning Style Preferences 

Preferences for learning vary greatly. Online learning is popular amongst highly motivated students who thrive with more flexibility and can appeal to students who learn at a different pace, or even introverted students who prefer their own company. 

On the other hand, some people find it difficult to maintain focus on online tasks, and thrive on collaboration with others. These students will often prefer in person learning. 

6. Age 

An increasing number of adult students are opting for online learning. Currently, about 22% of online students are over the age of 55. The flexibility that online learning can offer people with established careers and family commitments makes it an attractive option for older students with significant other commitments. 

7. Cost 

For the most part, online courses are significantly cheaper than in-person courses. This makes online learning more appealing to those sticking to a budget, especially students who are trying out a new field of study or those who are juggling other costs. 

Future Trends in Education 

Although nothing is sure, technology will almost certainly continue to have a significant role in education. Whilst they are unlikely to fully replace in-person learning, online courses will likely maintain their popularity and are likely to grow. 

Whether completely online, hybrid, or fully in-person, technology will likely play a large role in all modes of education. 

Some trends to look out for include: 

• Virtual Reality: The use of VR headsets and tactile sensors will allow for full immersion in digital labs, classrooms, and libraries, for example, and will likely enhance online and hybrid earning 
• Increased personalization: Virtual training rooms, where students can interact with their tutor,s will help people relying on online learning interact with peers 
•  Personalized Analytics: Devices with tools to monitor emotional states, alertness and engagement may be able to tailor courses to students to maximize their learning based on their unique needs and learning style 

Another shifting trend to be aware of is the increased reliance on uniquely human skills, as AI is becoming more common in the workforce. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, abstract thinking, leadership, and networking are becoming increasingly sought-after skills, as they cannot be automated.

Conclusion

The debate between online learning vs in-person learning is extensive. Whilst online learning predominated during the pandemic, it still remains popular, thanks to the flexibility it gives to learning, the cost savings and the preference some learners have for self-directed learning. 

Whilst online courses are becoming more popular, it is likely that in person learning will persist, especially for school children, and in courses where hands-on learning and discussions are a must. 

Hybrid learning on the other hand is likely to become the norm, with some teaching offered in person, and other teaching offered online. The rise of VR and tailored online teaching offers exciting options in the future for more personalized hybrid learning. 

If you’re trying to decide what's best for you, it is best to talk to family and friends, who will likely have a gauge of your learning style. Identifying this, as well as the needs of your family and lifestyle, is the most important factor to consider when deciding on a method of learning.