Risepoint, a leading education technology company, today released its annual Voice of the Online Learner report. In its 14th year, the report reflects the company’s commitment to understanding online learners and supporting university partners in fulfilling their needs.
This year’s report compiled responses from over 3,700 prospective, current and recently graduated online learners in the U.S. The findings reaffirm the continued importance of affordability, convenience and job relevance, while also pointing to a growing desire for meaningful connection, additional academic support and the integration of emerging technologies like AI. As universities continue to innovate, these insights offer a timely look into what matters most to modern learners.
“Each year, the Voice of the Online Learner report gives us powerful insights into how students’ preferences, goals and expectations are evolving,” said Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint. “These findings are essential as we work alongside our university partners to provide programs that meet the needs of the modern learner.”
Key findings from the 2025 report include:
- Today’s Online Learners: Online students are highly motivated to advance in their careers while simultaneously balancing work, school and other personal responsibilities. Eighty-seven percent work while pursuing their degree and 78% are studying a program related to their current industry.
- Affordability: The top decision factor for online learners is still affordability and has been for 12 of the past 14 years.
- Flexibility: Eight in 10 learners say they chose their program modality first, with 71% indicating they would not attend a school if their desired program wasn’t offered online.
- Career Advancement: A resounding 94% pursue online education for career-related reasons, including to grow in their current role, earn a promotion or gain new skills. Seventy-two percent believe that a college degree is necessary for career advancement in today’s world.
- Quality: Ninety percent of learners say online degrees are as good as, or better than, on-campus options.
- Support and Connection: While online learners value flexibility, they have an increased interest in connection and community; the survey results reinforce that online learners want affiliation with recognizable, brick-and-mortar campuses with the option to connect live or virtually. Seventy-three percent of learners would like to visit campus at some point, up from 58%, but 66% do not want to visit for regular coursework. The most common reason for a visit was to attend graduation.
- AI Readiness: Online learners recognize AI’s growing role in the workplace, and 69% say their university has not yet integrated AI into the curriculum, highlighting a major area for growth.
“Once again, the Voice of the Online Learner report has uncovered incredibly valuable insights,” noted Bleichmar. “We look forward to supporting our partners as they align their programs with what students desire most and what the workforce needs.”
The full report can be found here.
About Risepoint
Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. Learn more at www.risepoint.com.
