66 Elearning Statistics: 2025 Data, Analysis & Predictions

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Technological advancements have been pushing education to the cutting edge. This can be seen in the use of virtual reality innovations in medical courses (UCSF, 2017) or in the interactive whiteboards in use in virtual classrooms (Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises, 2018). Schools at all levels can ride the digital wave also by taking advantage of elearning. This is to keep up with the demand for accessible yet quality education by today’s digital natives. As well, doing so lets schools stay abreast with the requirements of increasingly tech-forward industries.

Elearning, also known as online learning and distance learning, allows students to gain access to their lessons anytime, anywhere. As such, it makes education readily available in difficult times, such as when crowd gathering is not allowed because of the global pandemic. Moreover, it lets them interact with their learning materials beyond books. That said, elearning lets learners make better sense of various subject matters through the use of videos, photos, and other media. As such, it is important to learn its ins and outs to be able to take advantage of it.

This article aims to discuss the different elearning statistics that are affecting the education sector. This compilation of statistics should serve as a good resource for educators and students alike as with the different elearning tools, implementation methods, benefits, and challenges. Moreover, this should give you a better idea of how fellow educators and students are leveraging elearning to their advantage.

Elearning Statistics Table of Contents

General Elearning Market Statistics
Benefits of Elearning
Elearning in K-12 Schools
Elearning in Higher Education
How can you evaluate the quality of an elearning program?
How can elearning platforms provide effective learner support?
Challenges of Using Elearning
Key Factors That Drive Corporate eLearning Growth
Exploring Advanced Educational Pathways Through Elearning
What are the trends driving the growth of elearning?
Can an accelerated associates degree be a strategic career move?
What is the role of vocational training in the online learning ecosystem?
Are accelerated doctoral programs a viable option for professional advancement?
What makes accelerated online masters programs a compelling choice for mid-career professionals?

General Elearning Market Statistics

Distance education enrollment across the US saw mixed results in Fall 2023. According to the latest reports of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of enrollees in distance education programs at 4-year academic institutions increased during this period, while enrollment in 2-year academic institutions dropped (NCES, 2025). As you will see in the compiled statistics below, there are a lot of driving forces in the continuous growth of the elearning industries. These include the abundance of elearning technologies, centralized content, flexibility, convenience, and more.

And now that the world has been recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for elearning platforms is expected to remain steady for many industries. Both new and established companies are entering the market. Online players are rethinking their offerings, including providing a big discount to their online courses. Moreover, education technology plays a pivotal role in converting textbooks into e-books.

The global elearning market is projected to reach $336.98 billion by 2026.
The compound annual growth rate of the elearning market from 2018 to 2026 is estimated to reach 9.1%.
The revenues of the elearning industry have grown by over 900% since 2000. However, it seems that it has not reached its peak yet because it is expected to triple by 2025.
77% of the elearning industry comprises self-paced learning models.
LMS/SaaS models offer a standardized education system and make up over 29% of the total elearning market share.
In 2018, 35.3% of students in the United States are taking distance learning courses. This trend shows steady growth, following 31.8% and 33.5% of U.S. student shares in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, the introduction of more affordable options for higher education study like the cheapest online MSW programs can further propel this trend forward.
In 2023, K-12 schools in the US saw that the average number of educational technology tools utilized per school district reached more than 2,500, growing from 895 tools accessed pers school district in the academic year 2018–2019.
In Fall 2023, enrollment in exclusively distance education programs grew by 5.9% in 4-year academic institutions.
During the same period, enrollment in exclusively distance education programs decreased by 6.1% in 2-year academic institutions and by 37% in less-than-2-year academic institutions.
Graduate student enrollment in exclusively distance education programs increased by 1.9% in Fall 2023.

Benefits of Elearning

The first computerized training programs were developed back in the 1960s (Nodine, T.R., 2016). However, it has gone unnoticed by most until the advent of the internet. Fast forward to today, elearning has become a widespread program throughout the world. As elearning hits a billion-dollar market value, more players have started getting into the fray. With the increasing competition between elearning providers, the benefits of elearning have also gone beyond convenience and expense-cutting.

For instance, with the staggering 40% dropout rate in U.S. colleges (Bustamante, J., 2019), elearning has become the tool of choice for many individuals who aim to pursue their studies in a less traditional manner. Furthermore, today’s generations become exposed to technologies at a very young age. This makes online, computer-based, and self-paced learning models more comfortable.

Elearning seems to be good for the environment as it cuts over 85% of carbon dioxide emissions.
Studies suggest that elearning can lessen energy consumption by about 90%.
Elearning can reduce the required time for students to learn the material by 25%-60% compared to traditional learning methods. The best online psychology degree in Texas and other states, for instance, can be completed in about two years instead of four.
Seven in 10 teachers agree that elearning tools are helpful to students when studying things on their own.
Students are mostly satisfied with their online learning courses as 95% are willing to recommend online education to other people.
96% of students, especially children, say that elearning tools are fun to use and help them learn things on their own.
77% of students who enroll in online programs claim that it will help them reach their employment and career goals.
Elearning can help students learn about five times more material for each hour of the session.
71% of principals say that digital learning tools facilitate their students’ real-world problem-solving skills.
35% of teachers and school administrators believe that the elearning system helps them provide more personalized instructions that are more suitable to the skill levels of their students.
17% of students taking online learning say that it is the only way for them to pursue their field of interest.
52% of online students choose digital courses because of the prior commitments they have that conflict with campus-based attendance.
90% of K-12 public school teachers claim that digital learning tools are the best when searching for information or doing research.
35% of faculty members claim that elearning tools provide them with immediate and actionable data to accurately measure their students’ progress.
27% of teachers said that they have a lot of information available that can prove the effectiveness of the digital learning tools they use.

Elearning in K-12 Schools

As early as the late 1990s, several schools have already been using technologies, such as televisions, CDs, personal computers, and the internet to supplement students’ learning. Its growth in professional and post-secondary development has greatly contributed to the adoption of virtual learning for K-12 students. Unlike its other counterparts, however, elearning in K-12 mostly centers on student-teacher interaction.

While exclusive distance learning is a viable solution to early education, the most commonly used model is blended learning. It is a hybrid solution where the traditional learning method is combined with software-driven resources, such as the use of some of the best flipbook software. Gamification initiatives are typically used to enhance children’s interest in lessons. Mobile devices such as iPads and tablets are the most common tools in the K-12 elearning system.

In the school year 2022–2023, 5.2% of students ages 5 to 17 with a K-12 grade equivalent received academic instruction at home. They were either in full-time virtual education or homeschooled.
52% of K-12 students take advantage of games that focus on specific skills or content for their elearning materials.
65% of K-12 teachers are already using digital learning tools to teach their students every day.
25% of K-12 teachers notice improved learning outcomes for their students with the help of elearning tools.
Online educational videos (67%) are the most commonly used learning materials in K-12 classrooms, followed by educational software or apps (65%). Only 17% of K-12 classes use e-books and 2% use e-magazines.
56% of classes that utilize e-learning materials let students do their research on websites.
30% of K-12 teachers believe that digital learning tools help engage students with learning and school.
96% of students in 3rd to 5th grade claim they use elearning materials to learn a lot of time in their class.
18% of teachers believe in empowering their K-12 students in directing their own study through the use of elearning tools.

Elearning in Higher Education

Elearning is a more accepted term in the higher education landscape. This is primarily due to post-secondary students being more prone to interdependency, working part-time or full-time, parents with children, etc. With elearning being self-paced at large, more students find it more convenient than the traditional chalk-and-board method.

Furthermore, a lot of prestigious universities, such as Harvard and Oxford offer their courses through elearning. This provides greater access to learning materials without having to be in close proximity to the physical campuses. Students can learn to manage their time better to accommodate all courses and other activities by utilizing timeline creator for students.

In the fall of 2021, about 9.4 million undergraduate students were enrolled in a minimum of one distance education course.
About 4.4 million undergraduate students were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses in fall 2021.
During the same period, about 1.8 million postbaccalaureate students were enrolled in a minimum of one distance education course, with 1.3 million taking distance education courses exclusively.
74% of undergraduate students and 47% of postbaccalaureate students who were enrolled in exclusively distance education courses in fall 2021 took the courses in academic institutions located in their residential state.
Email constitutes 67.82% of the means of students for getting informed as well as for communicating and sharing materials with professors or their fellow students.
34% of graduates deem that the quality of the faculty bodies is the most important factor when choosing online courses.
Millennials constitute about 50% of online college students while one-third are from Gen X.
60% of undergraduates choose an online education program based on its affordability. However, 39% of them think that the reputation of the program or school is the number one deciding factor.
VR platforms and other simulation systems are used by 17% of students enrolled in elearning courses.
56% of elearning college students use a tablet or smartphone to complete their online course-related activities.
26% of undergraduates are most interested in business-related online courses, while 15% intend to take a computer and IT-related programs.
65% of US faculty are in full support of open educational resources.
By the end of 2019, over 13,500 MOOCs are being launched or offered by more than 900 universities around the world. The popularity and success of these platforms have paved the way for online degree programs such as online degrees in cyber security.
There are currently 110 million students enrolled in MOOC programs.
Coursera, the top MOOC provider in the world with 45 million learners, offers 3,800 courses, 420 micro-credentials, and 16 degrees.
One of the biggest reasons why MOOCs are not as effective as initially projected is because 73% of students are not aware of its availability.

How can you evaluate the quality of an elearning program?

Assessing an elearning program’s quality is essential for achieving reliable educational outcomes. Experts suggest verifying the program's accreditation, instructor expertise, and the rigor of its curriculum through independent reviews and performance metrics. Evaluating the platform’s ability to offer engaging interactions, updated content, and clear pathways to career recognition is equally important. Transparent fee structures and demonstrable success metrics further indicate a program’s credibility. Prospective learners should consistently compare such criteria and consult resources that outline options like the easiest associate's degree to make informed enrolment decisions.

How can elearning platforms provide effective learner support?

Effective learner support in elearning encompasses more than just accessible content—it requires a robust infrastructure that addresses technical assistance, academic guidance, and career mentorship. Platforms should offer real-time troubleshooting, personalized tutoring, and community forums to foster engagement and collaborative learning. Additionally, integrating career services such as resume reviews, networking opportunities, and industry-specific workshops can help learners transition smoothly into the workforce. Providing structured, self-directed modules, similar to those found in a self-paced online college, further empowers students to manage their educational journey while benefiting from continuous support tailored to their unique needs.

Challenges of Using Elearning

Elearning enables students all over the world to pursue a degree in various fields including business and psychology. Those who have wondered what to do with a psychology degree may be interested to know that there are career opportunities as a healthcare professional, law enforcement liaison, or an academic researcher and educator. Despite this benefit, several barriers hamper the full adoption of elearning into a standardized educational system since day one. As presented in the statistics below, these include the required continuous innovation of products, lack of feasible revenue models, unreliable internet connections, software and hardware variability, and more.

Some of the said issues, such as inadequate internet bandwidth, have been naturally addressed in some areas through technological advancement. However, more concerns are still being escalated to oppose the implementation of elearning in the educational system.

24% of online students are concerned about lackluster quality, instruction, and academic support for online learning courses versus on-campus education.
65% of school administrators are concerned about the difficulty of marketing new online programs to prospective students.
27% of students claim that they do not have the basic computer skills to make an elearning system work for them.
43% of students think that cultural challenges are the biggest obstacle to the implementation of the elearning system.
8% of online students believe that having to use new software and technologies for digital learning will become a problem for students.
Only 26.4% of students are confident that they are properly prepared to use elearning systems. 33.9% think that they are poorly prepared.
15% of students are afraid that lack of interaction with classmates and professors because of online learning will be detrimental to their education in general.
21% of students express concern regarding the possible unfavorable perception of employers of degrees earned through online learning.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, a full-time student typically needs to dedicate around 30 hours per week to studies. This is a substantial time commitment for those who are also full-time workers.
32% of students find that there are no proper policies and guidelines in effect for the elearning system.
Despite having many courses available through mobile devices, 17% of online students complain that their elearning program does not support mobile access.
Only about one-third of the classrooms are equipped with devices for effective elearning courses.
63% of schools or districts do not have the funding for educational technology.
45% of students think that their Wi-Fi connections are too slow for the digital learning system.
41% of teachers believe they are not well-trained enough to effectively leverage educational technology.
39% of the teachers in English Maintained Schools are not willing to support elearning tools in their teaching.

What are the key factors driving the growth of corporate elearning for 2025?

Corporate elearning has become an essential part of modern business training and development. While elearning statistics often focus on education sectors like K-12 and higher education, corporate elearning has shown significant growth in recent years. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for upskilling, reskilling, and adapting to rapidly evolving business environments.

Here are some key factors contributing to the rise of corporate elearning:

Demand for workforce upskilling and reskilling: The fast-paced changes in technology and business practices have made it critical for companies to ensure their employees are up to date with the latest skills. Corporate elearning allows businesses to provide continuous learning opportunities without the constraints of time and location.
Cost-efficiency: Traditional in-person training sessions can be expensive due to travel, accommodation, and facility costs. Elearning offers a more cost-effective alternative by reducing these expenses and providing scalable training solutions.
Flexibility for employees: Elearning enables employees to complete training modules at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for those who work remotely or have busy schedules. This flexibility improves learner engagement and completion rates.
Personalized learning experiences: Many corporate elearning platforms offer customized learning paths tailored to individual employees' roles and career goals. This approach ensures that learners only focus on relevant skills and knowledge, increasing the effectiveness of the training.
Global workforce integration: For companies with a global workforce, elearning provides a unified training experience regardless of geographical location. It ensures consistency in the quality of training while accommodating various time zones and languages.
Data-driven learning: Corporate elearning platforms often come with analytics tools that help organizations track employee progress, assess knowledge retention, and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows businesses to refine their training programs for better outcomes.

Exploring Advanced Educational Pathways Through Elearning

The rapid expansion of elearning is not only transforming how education is delivered but is also opening up new opportunities for learners to accelerate their academic achievements. One of the most notable offerings is the availability of accelerated bachelor degrees, which allow students to complete their undergraduate studies in a shorter time frame while maintaining academic rigor. These programs are particularly beneficial for working professionals, busy parents, or career changers who seek to fast-track their education without compromising on quality.

Institutions that provide accelerated degree programs leverage elearning technologies to deliver flexible schedules, personalized pacing, and interactive course materials. This approach caters to diverse learning styles and supports students in balancing their education with personal and professional commitments. Moreover, the integration of multimedia resources, such as video lectures and virtual labs, enhances engagement and retention, enabling learners to effectively grasp complex subjects.

By combining the benefits of online learning with condensed course timelines, accelerated degree programs exemplify how elearning adapts to modern educational demands. As the value of such programs grows, they are set to play an even more significant role in reshaping the landscape of higher education.

What are the trends driving the growth of elearning?

Elearning is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by various trends and innovations within both the technology and education sectors. One significant factor is the increasing demand for flexible learning options. As online education offers students the ability to learn at their own pace and from any location, it's become an attractive alternative for non-traditional learners, including those balancing work or family responsibilities. This flexibility is one of the driving forces behind the surge in online enrollments across diverse age groups and professions.

Another contributing trend is the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptive learning technologies in elearning platforms. These innovations personalize the learning experience, making it more engaging and effective by adjusting to the learner’s individual progress and needs. For example, AI-powered tools can identify areas where a student is struggling and provide targeted interventions to enhance their understanding.

Additionally, mobile learning is gaining traction, as more students use smartphones and tablets to access online courses. This shift reflects the growing reliance on mobile devices for learning, making education more accessible than ever before. As more people seek affordable educational opportunities, platforms offering cost-effective programs like the cheapest online masters are also becoming increasingly popular.

Overall, these trends not only support the continued growth of elearning but also improve its accessibility and adaptability, making it a more attractive option for learners worldwide.

Elearning’s Growth is Set

Even before the global pandemic has helped raise the demand for elearning platforms, the industry is already on its trail to continuous growth. Players new and old alike are entering the field of elearning, making the market more competitive. This is beneficial to users because it means better, cheaper, and more innovative programs.

While the challenges are there, the trend is still in favor of elearning’s growth and adoption. Therefore, we can expect a more widespread implementation of different elearning programs in both K-12 and college. While a globally accepted regulation has yet to come for this type of tech, each institution who wish to implement it must prepare to meet the expectations, needs, and experience level of their students.

For those who are considering taking elearning courses themselves, diving headfirst into the program is not advisable. Comparison of programs, doing research about financial aid and costs, and speaking with professionals in the field is of utmost importance. Reading up on elearning techs is also a great way of understanding more about them to leverage its effects to full potential.

Key Insights

Rapid Growth of Elearning: The global elearning market is projected to reach $336.98 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1% from 2018 to 2026. The industry has seen a 900% increase in revenue since 2000 and is expected to triple by 2025.
Increased Adoption in Higher Education: In the fall of 2021, about 9.4 million undergraduate students were enrolled in a minimum of one distance education course. Meanwhile, about 4.4 million undergraduate students were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses.
Benefits for Students and Educators: Elearning offers numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, flexibility, and the ability to learn at one's own pace. Studies show that students can learn five times more material per hour of elearning compared to traditional methods.
Challenges in Implementation: Despite its advantages, elearning faces challenges such as lack of quality instruction, inadequate internet access, and insufficient computer skills among students. Additionally, some educators and institutions are resistant to fully adopting elearning technologies.
Diverse Applications in K-12 Education: Elearning tools are widely used in K-12 education, with 57% of students utilizing digital learning tools daily. Blended learning, which combines traditional and digital methods, is the most common approach.

Can an accelerated associates degree be a strategic career move?

Accelerated associate programs offer a streamlined pathway to acquire core competencies and credentials essential for immediate career advancement. This section examines how these intensive programs combine a compact curriculum with flexible delivery methods, enabling learners to quickly gain vital skills while managing professional and personal responsibilities. It also discusses key evaluation criteria, such as program accreditation and alignment with industry standards, ensuring that the educational investment translates into measurable career growth. For additional program options and detailed insights, review the accelerated associates degree.

What is the role of vocational training in the online learning ecosystem?

The elearning landscape is broadening to include vocational and technical training that directly meets industry needs. Digital programs now offer specialized curricula designed to impart hands-on skills traditionally taught in physically intensive settings. Modern online platforms are creating tailored modules that integrate real-world simulations, certifications, and mentorship to ensure competency in technical trades. These programs not only bridge the gap between academic education and practical expertise but also present a flexible, affordable alternative to campus-based training. For instance, learners can explore trades online courses that focus on practical skills, thereby aligning technical training with evolving career demands.

Are accelerated doctoral programs a viable option for professional advancement?

Accelerated doctoral programs provide a dynamic pathway for seasoned professionals aiming to enhance their expertise and leadership skills in a reduced timeframe. These programs leverage digital platforms to offer flexible scheduling and a focused curriculum, addressing the needs of those balancing rigorous career demands with academic growth. Participants benefit from an intensive, outcomes-oriented learning experience that emphasizes real-world application and research innovation. Institutions offering options such as 1 year doctoral programs online have structured their courses to maximize relevance and strategic impact, fostering accelerated career progression without compromising academic quality.

What makes accelerated online masters programs a compelling choice for mid-career professionals?

For professionals aiming to enhance their credentials without lengthy time commitments, accelerated online masters programs offer a concise, flexible alternative that aligns academic rigor with industry demands. These programs condense coursework to enable rapid skill advancement while integrating real-world challenges that support immediate application in professional roles. They also address evolving market trends by emphasizing leadership, innovation, and strategic problem-solving. For further details on program structure, outcomes, and comparative benefits, review accelerated online masters programs.

FAQ

What is the projected market value of the global elearning industry by 2026? The global elearning market is projected to reach $336.98 billion by 2026.
How has the revenue of the elearning industry changed since 2000? The revenue of the elearning industry has grown by over 900% since 2000 and is expected to triple by 2025.
What percentage of U.S. college students were enrolled in distance learning courses in 2018? In 2018, 35.3% of U.S. college students were enrolled in distance learning courses.
What are some benefits of elearning for students? Elearning offers benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, flexibility, the ability to learn at one's own pace, and the potential to learn five times more material per hour compared to traditional methods.
What challenges do students face with elearning? Students face challenges such as lack of quality instruction, inadequate internet access, insufficient computer skills, and concerns about the perception of online degrees by employers.
How prevalent is the use of elearning tools in K-12 education? In 2019, 57% of K-12 students in the U.S. were using digital learning tools for their daily education.
What is blended learning, and how is it used in K-12 education? Blended learning is a hybrid approach that combines traditional classroom methods with digital learning tools. It is commonly used in K-12 education to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Why is elearning expected to continue growing despite challenges? The demand for flexible, accessible education options, coupled with advancements in technology and the need for lifelong learning, is driving the continuous growth of the elearning industry.
How does elearning benefit the environment? Elearning can cut over 85% of carbon dioxide emissions and reduce energy consumption by about 90% compared to traditional learning methods.
What is the role of MOOCs in the elearning industry? MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) play a significant role in the elearning industry, providing accessible education to millions of students worldwide. The MOOC market was valued at $5.16 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $21.14 billion by 2025.