Today’s postsecondary students look different than they did 20 years ago. Their paths today are not as linear, with many students opting out of going to college right after high school. As a result, today’s students are more diverse than ever before: 34% are adults, over half are first-generation students, 22% are parents, and the majority of students are working while learning.
To create a new means of economic mobility for the diversifying student body, California established its first statewide online community college, Calbright College, in July 2018. Calbright was the first of its kind, an exclusively online community college, free of charge to Californians, and focused on helping students rapidly earn credentials for in-demand jobs. Enrollment numbers have skyrocketed in the last two years, going up 574% since July 2021, with 3,240 students currently enrolled at Calbright.
And these trends are not unique to this California community college. Interest and participation in online learning continues to grow, with 2020 seeing record enrollment. Between 2012 and 2019, the number of hybrid and distance-only students at traditional universities increased by 36%, while the pandemic rapidly accelerated that growth by an additional 92%. Today over half of postsecondary students are enrolled in at least one online course.
What’s more, research from Western Governor’s University (WGU), one of the largest online universities in the country, surveyed more than 3,000 students across nine diverse institutions including community colleges, private and public four-year institutions, and primarily online, not-for-profit colleges. First-generation learners surveyed were especially positive about online education, with more than three-quarters of these students, indicating they would be interested in taking online courses in the future. This response was nearly ten percentage points higher than their peers with college-educated parents.
The ability to learn anytime, anywhere — and often for a fraction of the cost — is clearly attractive for today’s students. Online learning offers them the flexibility to balance their academic pursuits with other responsibilities and commitments, allowing them to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. Online education has also eliminated many of the barriers associated with traditional campus-based programs — supporting students, who may be unable to relocate or commute to a physical campus. This factor is especially helpful in rural communities that are more remote allowing individuals to enroll in programs across the country without ever leaving their homes.
Online education has also evolved to meet the diverse needs of today’s students through innovative program structures and support services. Institutions now offer a wide range of online degrees and certificates while also providing comprehensive academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling services. For example, at Calbright, students can access academic and career counseling to help them make informed choices about their academic and job pursuits, and it is all covered by the state.
While online education was once considered an alternative or supplementary option, it has rapidly expanded and emerged as a cornerstone of higher education. But to ensure opportunities continue to open doors that were previously inaccessible, America’s higher education system must evolve, and these programs must continue to evolve to ensure quality and alignment with student and employer needs.
To do this, the U.S. must modernize the way it invests in postsecondary education. Policy must enable individuals to pursue more flexible and affordable ways to acquire higher skills and higher-wage jobs, including online educational opportunities. Passing the bipartisan Workforce Pell Act in Congress would be a good start. This bill would allow students to use the Pell Grant for shorter-term postsecondary programs, including fully online programs that meet certain quality metrics.
Additionally, federal policymakers should refrain from over-regulation that would discourage online education. Last year, the American Council on Education, the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities warned that a U.S. Department of Education proposed rule would cause “significant disruption and termination of critical education services to students,” including many online programs.
But quality is important. For students to derive real value, online learning experiences must ultimately lead to economic mobility, ensuring students complete the program and leave with the necessary skills and credentials for success. In addition to teaching academic and technical skill sets, online programs must ensure students learn the critical employability skills that remain a high priority for employers through peer-to-peer experiences and other hands-on learning opportunities. This will ensure students know how to work with others, can problem-solve, and ultimately succeed in the workforce.
As we look to the future of postsecondary education, online learning will play a pivotal role in expanding access and opportunities for non-traditional students. Colleges like Calbright will continue to grow and be attractive for many students, including those that are older, first generation, and juggling work and familial responsibilities. However, more must be done to ensure these opportunities are truly engrained in America’s postsecondary education system. By embracing digital innovation and leveraging the flexibility and convenience of online platforms, our nation can ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the chance to pursue their educational aspirations and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.