Distance Education Enrollment Surges Nationwide

"The state saw a 5.53 percent increase, with distance education enrollment rising from 56.1 percent in 2022 to 59.2 percent in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. The findings are based on an analysis by eLearning Industry, an online learning platform, using National Center for Education Statistics postsecondary data tracking changes in distance education enrollment across U.S. states."

"Distance education enrollment nationwide stood at 53.2 percent in 2023, relatively stable compared with 53.3 percent in 2022, according to data from 5,677 institutions. By comparison, enrollment stood at 36.3 percent in 2019, reflecting the surge in online learning that followed the pandemic. "This rise in enrollment signals robust educational infrastructure and growing acceptance of online learning modalities across diverse student populations," said a spokesperson for eLearning Industry."

Mississippi’s distance education enrollment increased 5.53%, from 56.1% in 2022 to 59.2% in 2023, the largest state gain. Nationwide distance education enrollment was 53.2% in 2023 across 5,677 institutions, nearly unchanged from 53.3% in 2022 and up from 36.3% in 2019. South Dakota, North Dakota, Vermont, and Iowa posted the next-largest year-over-year gains, with 2023 shares of 55.4%, 58.5%, 40.2%, and 48.9%, respectively. Distance education includes synchronous and asynchronous courses delivered via technologies such as Zoom and Canvas. Data derive from National Center for Education Statistics postsecondary figures analyzed by eLearning Industry.

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