An "interesting" find from the 2024 Online College Students Report shows that are "stop-outs"—people who previously dropped out of a degree program and are now using the flexibility of online learning to finish what they started. This has made online schools a primary engine for degree completion in the U.S.. 3. Student Preference is Splitting
Recent reports and articles highlight several "interesting" twists in how these programs are evolving: 1. The Cost Paradox: Online Isn't Always Cheaper
A 2025 NPR report found that 83% of online programs cost as much as or more than in-person versions. At public universities, the average cost for an online four-year degree can be slightly higher ($41,000) than the in-person equivalent ($39,000).
A 2025 Forbes article notes a 17-point swing in students favoring in-person lectures over the last two years, citing a preference for physical labs and social interaction.