A national survey fielded by Champlain College Online reveals a significant shift in how 18 to 24-year-olds view online learning opportunities—and what is driving their interest.
Key Findings Show Strong Support for Online Education
Inclusive of more than 2,000 U.S. adults who are either currently attending or considering college, our national survey uncovered compelling insights about the changing perceptions of online education. Nearly 90% of respondents would consider an online program, representing a substantial increase from 73% in our 2023 survey.
This positive sentiment extends to career preparation as well, with 87% of respondents believing an online degree can prepare them for a successful career. The same percentage indicated that they feel employers are more accepting of online degrees today compared to previous years.
Why Young Adults Are Choosing Online Education
When asked about the most encouraging factors for choosing online education over traditional on-campus options, respondents highlighted three primary benefits:
- Flexibility in schedule (73% selected this option, with 18% ranking it as their top factor)
- Affordability (65% identified online education as more affordable, ranking it #1 in importance)
- Self-paced learning (63% valued the ability to learn at their own pace)
"The unspoken truth in higher education is that our country is experiencing a seismic shift in what students want, and online colleges and universities have adapted to the realities of modern education by offering practical, accessible solutions to millions of learners," says Chris Montagnino, Executive Vice President of Champlain College Online. "We're committed to providing flexible, career-focused online programs that meet modern learners where they are—whether they're 19 or 49."
Enrollment Trends at Champlain College Online
These national findings align with what we're seeing in our own enrollment data. One in seven new students at Champlain College Online now falls within the 18-24 age range, making this our fastest-growing demographic segment.
Young adults are particularly drawn to certain programs:
- Game Development: 50% of new students are between 18-24
- Marketing: 44% of new students are in this age group
- Technology and Cybersecurity: Approximately 25% of new students are aged 18-22
Geographically, states like Vermont, Massachusetts, Texas, and California are leading this growth in younger online learners. This trend isn't isolated to Champlain College Online—according to Inside Higher Ed, the number of high school juniors and seniors planning to attend fully online colleges more than doubled between fall 2019 and fall 2022.
What This Means for the Future of Higher Education
As younger students increasingly embrace online education, institutions must adapt to meet their expectations for flexibility, affordability, and career-focused learning. At Champlain College Online, we continue to evolve our programs to provide the right balance of academic rigor, workplace relevance, and learning flexibility that today's students demand.
Our commitment to providing high-quality, career-focused education remains unwavering, whether our students are recent high school graduates or experienced professionals looking to advance their careers.
More than 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18-24 and currently attending or considering college were polled about their interest in and opinions of online education. For more information about our online degrees and education options, visit online.champlain.edu.
