Key points:
- A number of surveyed online learners have previously enrolled in higher-ed programs but never finished
- More than half of those learners are interested in non-traditional degree programs
- See related article: Stopping the stop-outs: Promising re-enrollment practices
Adults who stopped out of higher education are finding their way back to finishing their degrees through online learning, according to a new survey.
Forty-two percent of online learners in Wiley’s annual Voice of the Online Learner report previously enrolled in a college-level degree or certificate program they didn’t complete. These learners tend to see online learning as a quick, flexible way to help them rejoin the workforce, complete an industry requirement, or achieve personal growth.
Nearly half (44 percent) of these returning non-completers identify as first-generation college students. Because they are the first in their family to enroll in postsecondary education, they may need additional support to complete their degrees and achieve their desired outcomes.
Online learners look beyond traditional programs to degree alternatives
Online learners express strong interest in alternatives to full degree programs. Two-thirds of respondents said they are open to pursuing quicker, more affordable non-traditional degree programs such as trade skills certificates, industry certifications and non-credit certificates in place of college degrees, and most (83 percent) of these learners would remain interested even if financial aid wasn’t available for them.
These findings are aligned with those of Wiley’s recent Closing the Skills Gap 2023 report, which indicated 62 percent of human resources leaders are placing less value on whether applicants graduated from college, with most saying they would interview non-graduates who have relevant work experience, certificates from colleges or universities, and digital badges or microcredentials.
Degrees are still valued, but less so by Gen Z
While most online learners recognize their degree can help them reach their career goals and advance their job prospects, Gen Z is less likely than other generations to feel this way. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of all respondents believe a college degree can lead people to better jobs, but that percentage falls to just 55 percent among Gen Z learners.
Synchronous learning continues to appeal
Online learners remain open to at least occasional live learning sessions. Similar to last year’s findings, 79 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to engage in a synchronous virtual learning session such as an online or on-campus gathering at least one time per course, and half would welcome it as often as once per week, preferably on a weekday evening.
Students find value in asking questions in real time and receiving better explanations from instructors during synchronous sessions.
Other findings
Some additional findings have remained consistent over the 12 years this survey has been administered.
- Career goals motivate online learners: Most online students are employed, and the large majority are focused on career goals.
- Modality comes first: Modality is the most important factor driving educational decisions for online learners, with few willing to switch to an on-campus class if an online program isn’t offered.
- Students are price-sensitive, but they value quality:: Affordability has been online learners’ top selection factor for 10 of the past 12 years, but not all learners base their decision on cost if a school can offer valued benefits to meet their needs.
- They prefer to stay local—Online learners don’t want to stray far from home, with 70 percent this year choosing an institution within 100 miles of where they live.
“There are more than 40 million students today with some college credit but no degree,” said Deanna Raineri, Wiley senior vice president, university strategy and market innovation. “Returning to the classroom after you’ve stopped out can benefit your professional and personal success. Whether adult learners left school willingly or reluctantly, online programs are helping them find their way back.”
This press release originally appeared online.
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