30+ eLearning Statistics for 2024: Predictions & Trends!

One of the biggest trends in the education world is in eLearning.

Online learning, also known as eLearning, is a method of learning that allows students and learners to get their learning and education online from any connected device. 

Some platforms are exclusively for laptop or desktop configurations, but there are some out there for mobile devices.

In essence, if you have a laptop, netbook, or tablet, you can get your education, certifications, or other skills and learn anywhere at any time. 

The eLearning concept is structured, yet flexible, which are both benefits for learners of all ages.

As you might suspect, eLearning has its challenges, and not everyone is going to like it. 

The idea of eLearning, online learning, mLearning became a trend just after the global pandemic and the global lockdowns that forced students to switch to online programs.

It impacted the entire planet. 

That said, you will see from the following eLearning statistics how it affected the world, what it costs, what it saves, the benefits, the challenges, the revenues, and other data and facts about this form of learning. 

Key Statistics

• The Global eLearning market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025.
• In 2017, 77% of United Stats companies used eLearning. 
• Retention rates are boosted by 25% to 60% through eLearning.
• E-Learning has been shown to use 90% less energy as compared to campus or other onsite learning solutions.  
• As of 2020, a whopping 98% of universities have switched to online classes.
• Studies have shown that eLearning requires less time in the learning environment than conventional classroom learning.
• In the United States, 60% of graduates used online learning because it’s more affordable. 
• 73% of post-pandemic students say they want to keep using eLearning programs. 
• Getting an Elearning degree online costs nearly $37,000 less than getting a 4-year degree on-site.
• 41.7% of the world’s Fortune 500 companies are using some eLearning technologies for employee training and upskilling. 

Top eLearning Statistics in 2024

In this section, we will address several general statistics you need to know going into 2024.

Some of these may surprise you, while others will hold no surprises. 

1. The Global eLearning Market Is Projected to Reach $350 Billion by 2025.

Overall, the global online learning market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2025.

This has much to do with factors such as its flexibility in the education, corporate, and technology sectors. 

The online learning arena allows for flexibility for learners to get training and education online, anytime, and anywhere.

This is largely due to the flexibility of devices most eLearning systems are on today. 

(Research and Market) 

2. In 2017, 77% of United Stats Companies Used eLearning. 

While 77% of companies in the United States were already using eLearning, 98% were planning to implement eLearning in their companies by 2020. 

According to research by KPMG, 90% of corporations are using eLearning solutions to train and upskill their employees. 

Statistics reveal that 68% of employees prefer to engage in learning and getting training in the workplace.

Another 58% want to learn at their own pace.

Therefore, most employees are on board with eLearning for work. 

(eLearning Industry, Helplama)

3. Retention Rates Are Boosted by 25% to 60% Through eLearning. 

According to the Research Institute of America revealed that eLearning helps to raise learning retention rates by 25% to 60%.

Conversely, face-to-face training methods are significantly lower, at only 8% to 10% compared to eLearning methods.

One of the biggest reasons that retention rates are high among those who receive eLearning is that the learners have more control over their learning process.

This includes the ability to revisit modules or sections of the training as needed.

(Shift Learning)

4. E-Learning Has Been Shown to Use 90% Less Energy as Compared to Campus or Other Onsite Learning Solutions. 

The eLearning option also has 85% fewer CO2 emissions when compared to the conventional learning venues.

So, overall, online learning uses 90% less energy and emits less CO2 emissions. 

How does this work? By engaging in online learning, you are helping to decrease the use of raw materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc.

Therefore, it reduces the need to build, expand, or repair educational buildings. 

(The Open University, Upskillwise)

5. As of 2020, A Whopping 98% of Universities Have Switched to Online Classes.

It was fortunate that several schools and universities across the globe were already wedded to some kind of online learning.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that 98% of universities moved their classes to either include or to solely be online classes during and after the pandemic.

Because of this global pandemic, an educational revolution began and is consistently growing.

Essentially, eLearning is now the norm in education.

It did start well before the pandemic, but the need for it boosted its demand, which expanded the construct. 

(HigherEd Partners)

6. Studies Have Shown that eLearning Requires Less Time in The Learning Environment than Conventional Classroom Learning.

In fact, the Brandon-Hall Group revealed that students spend 40% to 60% less time learning than in the conventional classroom situation.

When you factor in commute time, face-to-face teaching time, question and answer time, and other factors, it makes sense that eLearning would be less time-consuming.

While there are some challenges with eLearning, there are also some benefits.

One of these benefits is the ability to learn from the comfort of your home, or in a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed.

This isn’t the case for all online students, since some experience more stress and anxiety learning online, but it’s relaxing for many.

(Brandon Hall, Ed App, Verbling)

7. In the United States, 60% of Graduates Used Online Learning Because It’s More Affordable. 

One survey of 1,500 eLearning students from 2019 revealed that 60% of graduates and 46% undergraduate students stated that the main reason they chose online classes was for their affordability.

Almost 30% of graduates said they took online classes because it offers the fastest path to getting a degree compared to 31% of undergraduates that said the same thing.

Both graduate and undergraduate students considered the program’s reputation at 39%.

(Research.com)

8. 73% of Post-Pandemic Students Say They Want to Keep Using eLearning Programs. 

A Cengage survey performed by Bay View Analytics revealed that 73% (nearly three-quarters) of students said they preferred to take at least some of their classes online even after the pandemic lockdowns ended.

In contrast, only 53% of faculty respondents answered the same way as students.

The survey polled 1,286 administrators and faculty members and 1,469 students across the scope of 856 higher education institutions in the United States. 

(Campus Technology)

9. Getting an Elearning Degree Online Costs Nearly $37,000 Less than Getting a 4-Year Degree On-Site.

The Education Data Initiative reported that the cost of using eLearning compared to on-site campus learning cost $39,595 less.

This data comes from a study across 4-year public colleges.

For comparison, the study also stated that private educational institutions charge an average of $60,053 to get an online degree but $129,800 to get a degree through in-person classes.

That’s over 50% less for online degrees than in-person learning.

(Education Data Initiative)

10. 41.7% of The World’s Fortune 500 Companies Are Using Some eLearning Technologies for Employee Training and Upskilling. 

According to statistics, 41.7 of the global Fortune 500 companies are using some type of eLearning for employee training.

That amounts to 4 out of 10 of the world’s biggest companies see the value of E-Learning. 

There’s no doubt that more Fortune 500 companies are planning to utilize eLearning of some kind to boost their employees’ knowledge and skills in the coming years.

In fact, eLearning is a trending topic. 

(HelpLama)

eLearning Revenue Statistics

This section will discuss the revenues of eLearning and its growth across the world and in specific countries or regions.

Let’s see how thew world stacks up in eLearning.

11. The Online Learning Ideal Has Grown More than 900% Since 2000.

It might come as a surprise to some readers to know that eLearning has been available since before 2000, but it has.

There’s more in the FAQ section, but the first online courses were offered in 1968.

Since 2000, the whole concept of online learning (eLearning) has grown by 900%.

Its efficacy relies on how good and sound the programming is and the reputation of the program or school. 

(ResearchGate, Research.com 2)

12. By 2025, The Global eLearning Market Is Expected to Be Worth $325 Billion. 

Not only has eLearning grown by 900% since 2000, but it’s also expected to be worth at least $325 billion by 2025 at the global level.

In fact, the total global eLearning market is set to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of roughly 7.2% over the next 10 years, which is how the $325 billion figure is calculated.

The growth has come from the variety of eLearning solutions such as via gaming, IT, cloud-based, wearable tech, and other digitized and online platforms and programs.

Depending on what platform and program you choose, you may learn from learning management systems (LMS), mobile, podcasts, virtual classroom, and more. 

The products used are based on whether corporate eLearning or academic eLearning is needed.

(GlobeNewswire)

13. Companies that Have Implemented eLearning Solutions Have Seen an Increase in Revenue of 42%. 

As we have already discovered, 41.7% of global Fortune 500 companies are using eLearning.

Also 58% of employees prefer it for learning at their own pace.

According to an American Heart Association study, eLearning boosts productivity among employees by 15% to 25%. 

Did you know that online programs enjoy a 72% completion rate?

That means that fewer than 30% of students quit the program.

Some findings show that the time and cost savings are significant.

Companies who invest in Elearning programs are developing and building strong and agile workforces. 

Keep in mind that not all learning can be done virtually or online.

Some careers require hands-on experience to fully learn and grasp the job.

(AL-Fanar Media, American Heart Association, Leadership Flagship)

14. TechNavio Revealed that 35% of Global Elearning Revenues Were Generated in North America in 2020. 

According to TechNavio, reports related to the global online market for vocational learning and education is expected to grow by more than $21.5 million between 2022 and 2027.

This is calculated at a CAGR of 15.56%. 

Additionally, the report mentions the historic market data which includes 2017 to 2021.

In fact, in 2017, the eLearning market was valued at nearly $9.8 million.

It’s also predicted that the North American market will account for 35% of this growth.

(Longview News-Journal, TechNavio)

15. Expectations in the Elearning Market Claim that 32% of The Revenues Will Come from Asian-Pacific Countries (APAC).

According to the most current e-learning statistics, the fastest growing region includes the Asian-Pacific countries.

It’s currently close to one-third, at 32%, of the existing eLearning market growth.

Why is this region experiencing this level of growth?

Asia, as a whole, accounts for around 50% of all internet users on the globe.

Most of these internet users are using their smartphones.

According to one Asia-Pacific E-Learning Market Outlook for 20007, it shows that in 2021, the value of the market was at $52 billion in this region.

As growth continues with approximately 95% internet penetration in this market, the Elearning sector will continue to quickly grow further. 

The current expected growth rate is 14% 

(PR Newswire, Research and Market 2)

16. Overall, the Elearning Market Is Predicted to Grow at a CAGR of 12.4% Between 2022 and 2028.

Elearning related to global academia sat at $5.67 billion market size in 2021.

The growth rate is expected to have a CAGR of 12.4% from 2022 to 2028.

Factors that are believed to be driving this growth is the flourishing adoption of Elearning among higher education institutions.

Also, it’s thought that the adoption acceleration during the pandemic plays a role in the market’s growth.

Some of the trends thought to keep eLearning growing include the desire for flexibility in how, when, and where students learn.

Also, the higher accessibility and ability to take learning with you is a plus.

Essentially, eLearning isn’t just growing, it’s thriving and expanding. 

(PR Newswire 2)

17. Corporate Leadership Training E Learning Sector Is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 21.1% by 2027.

With this eLearning market sector’s expected CAGR, it’s estimated that it will be worth $21 billion by 2027.

This growth is resulting from the need to implement personalized and interactive training settings for employees.

Companies have learned that this kind of eLearning for employees boosts productivity.

Therefore, there is a growing need for strong Elearning options and platforms since the pandemic and beyond.

(GlobalNewswire 2)

18. Skillshare’s Top 500 Teachers Earn an Average of $2,000 in Revenue Each Month.

Skillshare hosts 13 million registered learners and more than 500,000 paying subscribers.

The top 500 teachers on Skillshare are earning around $2,000 every month on average.

Naturally, some make more and some less. 

In 2020, Skillshare’s platform was able to raise $66 million during the onset of the pandemic, making that their biggest funding round so far.

Skillshare’s 2021 annual revenue was $14 million. 

(Classroom Central, Zippia)

19. The Total Revenues Generated by Online Learning Platforms Accounted for $56.69 Billion in 2022. 

In 2017, all online learning platforms accounted for $21.03 billion.

By 2027, total online revenues are expected to account for $64.50 billion.

It looks like gradual, steady growth, but the largest boost is expected between 2026 and 2027.

The change between 2022 and 2023 is expected to grow from $56.69 billion (2022) to $57.42 billion (2023).

The user penetration for 2023 is expected to be 9.5%, while by 2027, that’s expected to grow to 11.4%. 

This data is updated since the Russia-Ukraine war. 

(Statista)

20. Teachable Course Creators Who Earned Six Figures in 2020 Saw an Increase of 38% in 2021.

Since online courses are getting higher engagements and more subscribers, course creators have been getting some raises for their content.

In fact, Teachable course creators who earned six figures in 2020 experienced a 38% increase in earnings. 

Additionally, for Teachable content creators who were already earning seven figures, a 48% boost in earnings in 2021 was seen over 2020 earnings.

The top five countries where Teachable content creators reside include:

1. United States
2. India
3. United Kingdom
4. Canada
5. Australia

Therefore, the top 500 of these creators saw significant increases in earnings. 

(Teachable)

eLearning Teacher Statistics

How has eLearning impacted teachers?

In this section, we will cover how teachers were affected during and after the pandemic lockdowns. 

21. A 2020 Ipsos Poll Revealed that Two-Thirds of Teachers Preferred Remote Fall Classed for 2020.

In August 2020, a sample poll of 500 teachers from the kindergarten to 12th grade segment said two-thirds of them would prefer remote learning solutions.

Remember that this was when the pandemic was in full swing. 

What this data tells us is that during the pandemic, teachers were concerned about returning to in-person classrooms.

A whopping 66% preferred distance learning, while 34% preferred primarily in-person classroom learning. 

Here, we see that fine line between feeling safe during a virus outbreak and the wellbeing of the children related to learning and education.

Since they saw some improvements in most students due to eLearning, many teachers are still happy with remote learning options.

(Ipsos, NPR)

22. 35% of Teachers and School Administrators Feel that eLearning Systems Offer a More Personalized Set of Tools that Aid in Learning. 

While 35% seems a little low regarding how eLearning tools are helpful to students.

However, when you combine this with the 71% of school principals who said that digital learning tools are useful and facilitate real-world problem-solving skills, you have faculty members who are on board. 

Additionally, 70% of teachers believe that eLearning tools are helpful for students to study on their own.

While most teachers think that eLearning is effective, there is a 27% faction of teachers who claim to have proof of said results. 

(Broadband Search)

23. A Massive 90% of Teachers in The K-12 Public Sector Say that Digital Learning Tools, eLearning, Are the Best for Research and Searching for Data.

While teachers in the K-12 public sector are somewhat divided about remote learning, 90% of them agree that eLearning tools are best used for searching for information and researching. 

That information shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Even before the pandemic and remote learning became so necessary, students were able to do some schoolwork online in the classroom.

In fact, 65% of teachers in the K-12 realm claim to use digital learning tools daily to teach their students. 

(Research.com 3)

24. 18% of K-12 Teachers Think that eLearning Empowers Their Students.

How does eLearning empower students in the K-12 sector? Teachers say that self-directed study is a strong benefit of eLearning tools.

It empowers students to learn on their own with fewer distractions and interruptions in class. 

Another 30% of teachers in the same K-12 sector claim that they think eLearning digital learning tools do engage students in school and in learning.

In fact, 25% of these teachers say they have noticed improvements in learning outcomes from using eLearning tools. 

(Research.com 3)

25. 41% of teachers in the United States claimed that the lack of training is one of the most challenging factors of remote learning. 

Teachers without proper tech training have difficulties with using eLearning platforms to instruct their students.

In fact, 41% of teachers in the United States said lack of training was an obstacle. 

Additionally, 63% of teachers responded about the issue of the lack of school funding to afford educational technology.

60% said there aren’t enough devices for their students, and 45% said Wi-Fi connectivity is too slow.

(Statista 2)

Online Learning Statistics for Students and Parents

Teachers, principals, and administrative staffers aren’t the only people affected by eLearning.

The next few paragraphs will include online learning statistics related to students and parents. 

26. 64% of Global Parents Preferred E Learning Over Conventional Classroom Attendance in 2022.

A 2022 Ipsos survey revealed that 64% of parents across the globe preferred the use of eLearning over classroom instruction.

This survey included a sample of 1,000 parents from 10 countries.

Parents from the United States, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom were surveyed.

It’s worth noting that the survey also uncovered that 56% of parents in the United Kingdom and 55% of parents in the United States said they preferred conventional in-class learning.

That’s a contradiction compared to the global percentage of parents who prefer eLearning. 

This tells us that there is some division among global parents regarding eLearning and traditional classroom attendance.

It also differs according to political affiliation, child’s age, parental level of education, and the learning format.

(NPR 2, Ipsos 2, Ipsos 3)

27. In the United States, an Overwhelming 57% Say They Prefer In-Person Learning Over eLearning. 

In another study by the National Education Association, an overwhelming 57% of parents in the United States said they prefer in-person classroom teaching over eLearning.

That’s similar to the Ipsos survey results.

This also means that the majority of American parents want their children in school. 

Naturally, the results of the survey depended on certain factors.

Parents of younger children preferred in-person education, but those with older children preferred eLearning.

This difference could be due to the social aspect of classroom learning.

(Journal of Education and Learning)

28. 70% of Students Said They Prefer Online Classes and Believe They Are Better than Conventional Classroom Environments. 

Different studies are showing different results regarding online eLearning and conventional classroom learning, which you will see in the next statistic below.

The differences could be due to pandemic and post pandemic answers. 

That said, the University of the Potomac revealed that almost 70% of students prefer online instruction over the traditional classroom option.

This could also be due to the age of the students, and other factors. 

(The University of the Potomac, Upskillwise)

29. 65% of Students Said They Prefer In-Person Learning Over Hybrid or Remote Learning.

A Pew Reseach poll said that 65% of students preferred in-person learning over remote or hybrid learning.

We were able to garner a few more details from Healthline about this study. 

According to the study, only 11% of teenagers claimed to attend hybrid classes, while 8% said they had completely remote schools.

Additionally, among 13- to 17-year-olds, 80% preferred in-person classes. 

(Healthline)

30. In Fall 2020, 75% of Undergrad Students Enrolled in At Least One eLearning Class.

In the fall semester of 2020, 75%, 11.8 million undergrad students were enrolled in at least one remote eLearning course.

Another 44% of undergrads, or 7 million, exclusively enrolled in online distance learning courses. 

The number of undergrads who enrolled in at least one eLearning course accounted for 97% more than how many enrolled in the fall of 2019.

Also, the number of undergrads who took exclusively eLearning courses accounted for 186% higher than in the fall of 2019.

(NCES)

FAQs

Conclusion

The future of eLearning will come with more AI technology, better mobile learning solutions, micro-learning, AR courses, and gamification opportunities.

The future is bright for eLearning across the globe. 

This article explains how much it’s expected to grow and why.

You should have some idea of how it impacts teachers, students, and parents in the wake of the pandemic.

Also, the revenues and income streams that are generated from online learning platforms. 

From productivity to flexibility, the benefits usually outweigh the challenges of eLearning.

The only challenge that may stick with us for the long haul is that of certain skills that require hands-on training.

For instance, in the construction and manufacturing industries. 

We hope you have enjoyed reading these eLearning statistics for 2024 and beyond. 

Sources

AL-Fanar Media	American Heart Association	Brandon Hall
Broadband Search	Campus Technology	Classroom Central
Ed App	Education Data Initiative	eLearning Industry
eLearning Industry	GlobeNewswire	GlobalNewswire 2
HR News	Healthline	HelpLama
HigherEd Partners	Ipsos	Ipsos 2
Ipsos 3	Journal of Education and Learning	Leadership Flagship
Longview News-Journal	NCES	NPR
NPR 2	PR Newswire	PR Newswire 2
Research	Research	Research
Research and Market	Research and Market 2	ResearchGate
Shift Learning	Statista	Statista 2
Statista 3	Statista 4	Statista 5
Teachable	TechNavio	The Open University
The University of the Potomac	Upskillwise	Verbling
Zippia