Distance Education Enrollment Surges Nationwide

Mississippi led the nation in distance education enrollment growth, according to a recent analysis of the latest data, reflecting a broader shift toward online and hybrid learning models as colleges expand access and flexibility.

The state saw a 5.53 percent increase, with distance education enrollment rising from 56.1 percent in 2022 to 59.2 percent in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. The findings are based on an analysis by eLearning Industry, an online learning platform, using National Center for Education Statistics postsecondary data tracking changes in distance education enrollment across U.S. states.

Distance education enrollment nationwide stood at 53.2 percent in 2023, relatively stable compared with 53.3 percent in 2022, according to data from 5,677 institutions. By comparison, enrollment stood at 36.3 percent in 2019, reflecting the surge in online learning that followed the pandemic.

“This rise in enrollment signals robust educational infrastructure and growing acceptance of online learning modalities across diverse student populations,” said a spokesperson for eLearning Industry.

The findings: Distance education in higher ed refers to courses delivered either synchronously or asynchronously using one or more types of technology—from Zoom lectures to coursework on platforms like Canvas.

Within that broader landscape, South Dakota ranked second after Mississippi in distance education enrollment, according to the analysis. The state posted a 3.94 percent rise from 2022 to 2023, increasing from 53.3 percent to 55.4 percent.

North Dakota followed closely in third place, with a 3.91 percent increase, rising from 56.3 percent to 58.5 percent.

Vermont ranked fourth, with distance education enrollment increasing 3.61 percent, from 38.8 percent to 40.2 percent, and Iowa took the fifth spot, posting a 3.38 percent increase as enrollment grew from 47.3 percent to 48.9 percent.

“The data reveals that states like Mississippi, South Dakota and North Dakota are leading the nation in distance education adoption,” said a spokesperson for eLearning Industry, noting that the increases point to a sustained demand for online learning options.

The findings comport with Inside Higher Ed’s latest annual Student Voice survey, which showed that half of campus chief technology and information officers surveyed said student demand for online and hybrid course options has increased substantially year over year at their institutions. A nearly identical share said their colleges have added a substantial number of new online or hybrid courses over the same period.

But not all states saw gains in eLearning Industry’s analysis. New York ranked near the bottom nationally, reporting a 5.88 percent decline in distance education enrollment from 2022 to 2023.

Other states also saw drops. Delaware recorded a 5.09 percent decline, with enrollment decreasing from 62.9 percent to 59.7 percent. Hawai‘i followed closely behind, posting a 5.08 percent decline as enrollment fell from 66.9 percent to 63.5 percent.

The implications: The study outlines several implications educators and institutions should consider as distance education enrollment continues to grow.

The study emphasizes the need to closely “monitor student engagement and completion rates,” particularly to ensure that learning outcomes keep pace with enrollment growth.

It also points to the importance of continued investment in “digital infrastructure and faculty training to support long-term program quality.” Developing “flexible course formats that balance accessibility with academic rigor” is another key recommendation.

In addition, the analysis highlights the need to address disparities in broadband access that may limit participation in some regions, and to use enrollment data to guide strategic planning for future online and hybrid programs.

“These growth rates highlight that states are emerging as key hubs for digital education innovation,” said a spokesperson for eLearning Industry.

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