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Online University Education - United States

United States
  • Revenue in the Online University Education market is projected to reach US$82.30bn in 2024.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 11.19%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$125.80bn by 2028.
  • In the Online University Education market, the number of users is expected to amount to 11.7m users by 2028.
  • User penetration will be 2.3% in 2024 and is expected to hit 3.4% by 2028.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$10.38k.
  • In global comparison, most revenue will be generated United States (US$82.30bn in 2024).
  • With a projected rate of 2.3%, the user penetration in the Online University Education market is highest United States.

Definition:

The Online University Education market follows the revenue and user development of online programs terminating in university-accredited degrees and certificates.
This definition includes degrees and certificates that are where the courses and materials are created by universities. The definition also includes degrees and certificates that are issued through third-party online learning platforms (edX) and accredited courses.

Additional Information

Data includes revenue figures in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), Users, average revenue per user (ARPU), and user penetration rate. User and revenue figures represent B2C services.

In-Scope

  • Online degrees (Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D)
  • Online university certificates (Harvard Business Online, eCornell)
  • Third-party platforms as infrastructure for course delivery (Coursera degrees, edX university certificates)

Out-Of-Scope

  • Third-party platforms courses and certificates (see Online Learning Platforms)
  • Professional certificate programs offered by professional institutions (see Professional Certificates).
Online Education: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Online Education: market data & analysis

Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Notes: The chart “Comparable Estimates” shows the forecasted development of the selected market from different sources. Please see the additional information for methodology and publication date.

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Online University Education market in United States has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and the increasing demand for flexible and accessible education options.

    Customer preferences:
    Customers in the United States are increasingly seeking flexible and convenient education options that fit into their busy lifestyles. Online university education provides the flexibility to study at any time and from any location, making it an attractive option for working professionals, parents, and individuals with other commitments. Additionally, online education allows students to progress at their own pace, providing a personalized learning experience that caters to individual needs and preferences.

    Trends in the market:
    One of the key trends in the online university education market in the United States is the increasing availability of accredited online degree programs. Many reputable universities and colleges now offer online versions of their traditional degree programs, allowing students to earn a degree from a recognized institution without having to attend classes on campus. This trend has significantly expanded the range of educational opportunities available to students, and has contributed to the growth of the online education market. Another trend in the market is the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCs are online courses that are open to anyone, typically free of charge. These courses are offered by a wide range of institutions, including universities, colleges, and online learning platforms. MOOCs provide an opportunity for individuals to gain knowledge and skills in a specific area of interest, without the need to enroll in a full degree program. This trend has made education more accessible and affordable for a larger number of people, and has contributed to the overall growth of the online education market.

    Local special circumstances:
    The United States has a highly developed higher education system, with a large number of prestigious universities and colleges. However, traditional higher education can be expensive and may not be accessible to everyone. Online university education offers a more affordable alternative, making higher education accessible to a wider range of individuals. Additionally, the United States has a large population of working professionals who are seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge through further education. Online education provides a flexible and convenient option for these individuals to pursue their educational goals while continuing to work.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The growth of the online university education market in the United States is also influenced by underlying macroeconomic factors. The increasing demand for skilled workers in the labor market has created a need for individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge. Online education provides a convenient and efficient way for individuals to gain the necessary qualifications to meet the demands of the job market. Additionally, advancements in technology have made online education more accessible and user-friendly, contributing to the growth of the market. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of online education, as traditional educational institutions have had to shift to remote learning to comply with social distancing measures. This has further fueled the growth of the online university education market in the United States.

    Users

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

    Modeling approach / Market size:

    Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

    Forecasts:

    In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

    Additional notes:

    The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.

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    Online Education: market data & analysis - BackgroundOnline Education: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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