University Students' E-Learning Usage: A Comprehensive Overview

The number of students using e-learning has increased significantly in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic acting as a key driver of this shift. In 2022, approximately 10 million college students in the US took at least one online class, with 54% of students taking distance education courses. This is a notable increase from 2019, when 36.3% of students took online classes.

The rise of e-learning is not limited to the US. Globally, 49% of students have completed some form of online learning, and the number of online learners is projected to grow to 57 million by 2027. The e-learning market is also experiencing rapid growth, with a projected value of over $370 billion by 2026.

Undergraduate vs graduate students

Undergraduate and graduate students differ in several ways, from their learning styles and coursework to their expectations and time commitments. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students are typically those pursuing a bachelor's degree or, less commonly, an associate's degree. This level of education is often referred to as the first level of college or university education. Undergraduate studies offer a broad range of courses, allowing students to explore various academic areas and build a solid foundation of knowledge. The courses are usually a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical assignments.

In terms of admissions requirements, undergraduate programs typically require submitting high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. The application process is relatively simple compared to graduate programs.

Undergraduate classes often take the form of large lectures with hundreds of students. Students juggle 5-6 courses per semester, covering a wide range of subjects within their chosen discipline. The expectations for undergraduates include completing assignments, participating in class discussions, and passing exams to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

Graduate Students

Graduate students, on the other hand, are those pursuing advanced degrees beyond the bachelor's level, such as master's or doctoral degrees. Graduate programs offer more specialized and in-depth learning, often with a greater focus on independent research, seminars, and theoretical application. The coursework is highly specific and advanced, requiring students to delve deeply into their chosen field of study.

Admissions requirements for graduate programs are more extensive and may include proof of a completed bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT scores, undergraduate transcripts, a statement of purpose, research proposals, and interviews.

Graduate classes are much smaller, usually consisting of fewer than 20 students. Graduate students typically take 3 advanced-level courses per semester, which involve extensive reading and research. The assignments are fewer, but each carries more weight and is expected to demonstrate expertise in the subject.

Differences in Focus, Time Commitment, and Cost

Undergraduate studies provide a broad foundation of knowledge, while graduate programs offer specialized and intensive study and research. Undergraduate programs usually follow a more structured schedule, with courses typically completed within 4 years for a full-time student. In contrast, graduate studies, especially PhD-level programs, require a more significant time investment, often extending beyond 4-6 years to accommodate research and dissertation writing.

Graduate degrees are often more expensive due to their specialized nature, although funding, scholarships, and assistantships can help offset the costs. Undergraduate degrees, on the other hand, usually require more credits for completion (around 120-130 credits) compared to graduate degrees (30-60 credits).

Benefits of Each Program

Both undergraduate and graduate programs offer distinct advantages. Undergraduate degrees provide a solid foundation for personal growth and professional development, improving critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. They also open up a wide range of entry-level job opportunities and serve as a gateway to further graduate education.

Graduate programs, on the other hand, offer specialized knowledge and enhance career prospects by establishing students as experts in their fields. They lead to advanced roles and increased opportunities for scholarly contributions and organizational leadership. Graduate programs also provide a larger network and better connections, which can be advantageous in a competitive job market.

In summary, undergraduate and graduate programs cater to different stages of academic and professional growth. While undergraduate studies provide a broad educational foundation, graduate programs allow for in-depth exploration and specialization in a chosen field.

Gender split

The gender split of e-learners is relatively even. Undergraduate students studying online in 2020 were 50% female and 49% male. In the same year, 52% of graduate students were female and 48% were male.

A survey conducted in 2019 found that, in general, there are more female online higher education students than males. It was found that 65% of undergraduate and 54% of graduate online students are female.

The gender split of students taking online courses has changed over time. In 2012, 58.5% of bachelor's students were female, and this rose to 63.6% in 2022.

Racial demographics

The racial demographics of e-learning students in universities are quite diverse, with a significant increase in the number of students of colour over the years.

Undergraduate Enrollment

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, between 2000 and 2016, there was a notable increase in the number of Hispanic undergraduate students, with their enrollment more than doubling (a 134% increase from 1.4 million to 3.2 million students). This increase contributed to a rise in the percentage of Hispanic students as a share of total undergraduate enrollment, from 10% in 2000 to 19% in 2016.

During the same period, Black undergraduate enrollment also increased, rising by 73% between 2000 and 2010 (from 1.5 million to 2.7 million students), before decreasing to 2.2 million students in 2016. In 2016, Black students comprised around 14% of the total undergraduate population.

Asian and Pacific Islander students have also seen an increase in their enrollment over the years. From 2010 to 2016, the enrollment of Asian students increased by 2%, while the enrollment of Pacific Islander students decreased by 18%. In 2016, Asian students made up about 6% of the undergraduate population, while Pacific Islander students accounted for less than 1%.

Additionally, the enrollment of students identifying as two or more races more than doubled between 2010 and 2016, increasing from 294,000 to 596,000 students.

Graduate Enrollment

Graduate enrollment figures also show a similar trend in terms of racial demographics. Between 1976 and 2008, total graduate enrollment increased for each racial/ethnic group. Asian/Pacific Islander enrollment grew six-fold during this period, rising from 29,000 to 185,000 students. Hispanic graduate enrollment more than quintupled, increasing from 31,000 to 169,000 students. Black graduate enrollment also saw a significant boost, rising from 90,000 in 1976 to 315,000 in 2008.

Recent Trends

More recent data from 2022 to 2023 indicates that racial diversity in higher education has remained relatively steady over the past few years. However, there has been a slight shift in the demographics.

In 2023, White students made up around 40-41% of the undergraduate population, a decrease from nearly 50% in 2019. Hispanic and Latino/a students were the second largest group, comprising about 18% of undergraduates. Black students accounted for roughly 11% of the undergraduate population, while Asian students made up about 6%, and Native American students were less than 1%.

Benefits of Diversity in Higher Education

Research has highlighted the benefits of diversity in colleges and universities. A study by Barbara Wolfe and Jason Fletcher from the National Bureau of Economic Research found a positive correlation between attending a racially diverse institution and future earnings potential. They discovered that graduates from diverse colleges could expect to earn slightly over 5% more than those from less diverse colleges. Additionally, diverse colleges were found to foster more diverse friend groups among students.

Furthermore, diversity in colleges has been shown to improve the social experience and learning environment, as indicated by a survey conducted by BestColleges. Over half of the students surveyed agreed that colleges should actively work to increase the representation of historically excluded groups in their student bodies.

In conclusion, the racial demographics of e-learning students in universities have become more diverse, with a notable increase in the enrollment of students of colour. This diversity brings about numerous benefits, enhancing both the social and academic experiences of students while also positively impacting their future career prospects and earnings.

Online vs traditional colleges

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of online learning, which has been rising in popularity since its creation in 2000. In 2022, the US market for online learning was worth $100 billion, making it the largest in the world.

Online learning offers several advantages over traditional colleges. Firstly, it is more cost-effective and affordable, with some online colleges offering tuition-free education. Secondly, online learning is more flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. Thirdly, online courses are often designed for working professionals, enabling them to balance their career and family obligations. Fourthly, online learning removes geographic barriers, providing access to universities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Finally, online formats facilitate more engaging multimedia content and dynamic classes, with frequent assessments to track student progress.

However, online learning also has some drawbacks when compared to traditional colleges. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of face-to-face interaction and social experience, which is valuable for developing in-person social and public speaking skills. Traditional colleges also offer on-site facilities like student unions, gyms, and athletic stadiums. Additionally, traditional colleges provide networking opportunities and the chance to experience new places, especially for out-of-state students.

Despite these differences, numerous studies have shown that online degrees are comparable to traditional degrees in terms of quality. In some cases, online learning may even offer better outcomes, with improved student retention and reduced study time. Ultimately, the choice between online and traditional colleges depends on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances.

Online learning costs

The cost of online learning is a significant consideration for students, and it can vary depending on the type of institution and program. While online learning is generally more affordable than traditional campus-based education, it still involves a substantial investment.

The Cost of Online Learning

The average cost of an online bachelor's degree is $54,231, with tuition for in-state students averaging $40,926 and out-of-state students paying around $59,011. Private colleges charge approximately $62,756 for online degrees, while public colleges charge $40,926 for in-state and $59,011 for out-of-state students. The cost per credit hour for online learning also varies, with public colleges charging $338 on average and private colleges charging $516.

Additional Costs

Online learning may also come with additional costs, such as technology fees, broadband internet connection, and computer hardware requirements. Textbooks and other course materials can also add to the overall expense. It's important to note that online programs may not offer the same institutional financial aid as traditional campus-based institutions, so students may need to rely on federal financial aid or student loans to fund their education.

Cost Comparison

When comparing online learning to traditional campus-based education, there are several factors to consider. Campus-based education typically provides a more comprehensive experience, including extracurricular activities, sports teams, and on-campus housing and dining. These amenities come at a cost, and tuition rates reflect the overhead required to operate and maintain these programs and facilities.

Transportation and Meals

Another factor to consider is the cost of transportation and meals. Students attending campus-based education may incur transportation costs to commute to classes, while those living on campus will pay for meal plans, which can amount to $2,670 per year. Online students, particularly those living with their families, can eliminate these additional costs.

Advantages of Online Learning

Online learning offers several advantages, including flexibility and affordability. It eliminates the need for transportation and allows students to learn from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online learning can provide a more diverse range of students with access to education, as it removes the need to relocate or commute to a physical campus.

Disadvantages of Online Learning

However, online learning also has its disadvantages. Some students may struggle with staying motivated in an online learning environment, and it may not offer the same level of social interaction and real-time access to instructors as traditional campus-based education.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the shift to online learning, with many colleges and universities moving their courses online. This sudden change highlighted the deep inequities in online access among American communities, as some students lacked reliable internet and quality computers. Despite the challenges, online learning is expected to continue growing and evolving in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions