Research

Prospective Students More Likely to Consider Option of Online Programs

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/12/20

A survey by online education solution provider 2U has found that nearly three-quarters of prospective students said the COVID-19 pandemic has made them more likely to consider online programs. The survey was taken by 1,754 people who had expressed interest in attending a graduate or undergraduate program that was being delivered with the use of 2U services and technology. Polling took place over the course of three weeks in June and July 2020.

More than half (52 percent) of survey participants said they were "much more likely" to consider online education; and another 21 percent said they were "somewhat more likely" to do so. Twenty percent of respondents said that, absent COVID-19, they would not have considered an online program.

"The results of this survey show a clear share shift toward online higher education among prospective degree students," said 2U Co-Founder and CEO Christopher "Chip" Paucek, in a press release. "As more and more of these students affirmatively choose online degrees, universities with experience delivering intentionally designed, high-quality online programs with great student outcomes will stand out to this growing universe of learners."

A one-page explanation of the results is openly available through 2U.