9 in 10 online learners experience positive ROI from degree program

Ground Picture // Shutterstock Data Summary In 2024, 93% of surveyed students told BestColleges their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment (ROI). The percentage of online learners who say this has increased by five percentage points since 2019. More than 8 in 10 online students (81%) also say that online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning. Further, 97% say they would recommend online education to others. Despite online education being perceived as more affordable than in-person instruction, 48% of online learners say tuition costs and program fees were one of the biggest challenges to enrolling. Online learners continue to show confidence in the value of their degree programs, the latest BestColleges survey reveals. In its 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 93% of current, prospective, and already graduated online learners say their program has or will have a positive return on investment (ROI). Further, 81% of these respondents say that online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning. ROI Results Rise