We wrap up some key stats highlighting the difference between online and classroom learning, and how to pick the best one.
In a world where learning no longer has to happen within four walls, the way we absorb knowledge is rapidly evolving.
From virtual classrooms to interactive corporate training platforms, online learning has become a powerful tool for education and professional development alike.
But does that mean traditional, in-person learning is outdated?
Not quite.
As technology reshapes how we teach and learn, many are asking: Which method is truly more effective?
The answer isn’t as simple as clicking “enroll.”
Let’s explore how online and in-person learning compare, looking at stats, performance outcomes, and where each approach shines.
So, let’s get started.
What is online learning?
Online learning, better known as eLearning refers to education delivered, literally, via the internet.
That could be live webinars, virtual classrooms or even just self-paced courses.
According to Devlin Peck, the global eLearning industry is projected to reach $325 billion by 2025. That’s a 900% increase since 2000.
What is classroom learning?
Classroom learning involves face-to-face, instructor-led sessions in a structured environment.
It’s still a dominant format in corporate training and 98% of corporations plan to use instructor-led or blended learning formats due to benefits such as immediate feedback, social interaction, and guided support.
Key online learning statistics
- Online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry. In fact, it has grown 900% since its creation in 2000
- 70% of students say online learning is better than traditional classroom learning
- 80% of businesses now offer online learning or training solutions
- eLearning can help students retain between 25% and 60% more information
- Students in active classrooms show 55% higher retention of material compared to traditional lecture settings
Online learning will have a 9.1% compound annual growth rate by 2026
We know that learning is growing.
But the rates in which they’re growing are vast.
In fact, estimates show that between 2018 and 2026, the online learning industry will grow by as much as 9.1% each year.
eLearning will continue to grow in popularity, and so hosting your content on the right learning management system is more important than ever.
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The number of online learners is expected to grow to nearly 60 million people in the near future
We know the appetite for online learning is growing, and as more educations and companies use, we’ll see the number of people who take an online course rise to as many as 57 million people by 2027.
Women are more likely to enroll in online courses than men
According to Coursera, the number of women learning online increased from 38% in 2019 to 45% in 2021, even as the gender employment gap widened.
Have a look at some of our other key stats included in our State of Learning and Development report.
Online learning increases student retention rate by as much as 60%
If you’re a training provider, then chances are, you’re keen to keep your learners engaged.
One key way to do that is by ensuring learners are learning, and retaining information, as it means your students will be more equipped in their roles.
With eLearning, you will see an increase in learning retention.
In fact, studies suggest you’ll see an increase in retention up to as much as 60%, which is better than the traditional retention rate of up to 10%.
Online study time can decrease by as much as 60%
Learning retention isn’t all that eLearning can influence.
In fact, it can reduce study time by 40-60%.
Which can help make it more effective.
8 in 10 students claim that digital technology helps them improve their grades
That’s because higher retention rates and less study time pay off.
When asked, 81% of students said that digital technology and online learning helped them improve their grades.
Online learning boosts employee engagement by 18%
When done correctly, online learning in a corporate environment can help increase employee engagement by as much as 18%.
Online learning will improve employee performance by at least 15%
Allowing an employee to learn at their own pace increases their retention by 25–67% while also improving performance by as much as 25%.
Corporate participants learn almost 5x more material with online courses
IBM’s eLearning programme allowed its employees to absorb almost five times the amount of material than they were prior without having to spend any additional time in training, ultimately reducing training costs.
Online learning requires 60% less employee time than a classroom
Because it can be performed asynchronously, online learning takes 40% to 60% less time for employees to learn the same material than the time it takes in a classroom setting.
Revenue per employee is 200%+ higher for companies that use online learning
As if a 24% profit margin increase wasn’t impressive enough, revenue per employee increased dramatically after the introduction of online learning as well, by an average of 218%.
Of companies that offer online learning, more than two in five see an increase in income
Studies have found that across US organisations, 42% have seen an increase in income with the implementation of online learning. Within those companies, profit margins increase by an average of 24% as well.
7 in 10 organisations say online learning makes them competitive
Of corporations who offer it, 72% say that online learning increases their competitive edge in their market, as it helps them better keep up with and adapt to industry changes.
60% of online students reported improved soft skills
Online learning does more than just improve retention.
Three out of five said that it helped them improve soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management as well.
36% say completing an online course is easier than learning in a classroom
In a study, almost 2 in 5 students said that studying for and completing an online course is easier than doing so in a traditional classroom setting – but 29% disagreed, saying that it’s just as difficult.
Key classroom learning statistics
78% of educators report that active learning methods significantly boost student engagement
Techniques like group discussions, collaborative tasks, and problem-solving sessions aren’t just more interactive, they’re more effective.
Nearly 4 in 5 educators have seen a measurable increase in student engagement when using active learning approaches over traditional lectures.
Students in active classrooms show 55% higher retention of material
Active classrooms encourage participation, peer interaction, and application of knowledge in real time.
The result?
Learners retain over half more of what they learn compared to peers in passive lecture-based environments.
Active learning environments increase student performance by up to 33%
Compared to passive instruction, students in active learning environments perform significantly better on tests and assessments.
In fact, some studies show improvements of up to one-third in overall academic performance.
Students retain about 60% of knowledge when actively participating
In stark contrast, passive lectures result in only about 10% retention.
When students engage hands-on through simulations, problem-solving, or discussion they’re more likely to internalise and apply what they learn.
Immediate feedback improves retention by 48%, while hands-on learning boosts critical thinking by 40%
Timely feedback during instruction helps correct misconceptions quickly and reinforces learning.
Similarly, hands-on experiences such as labs or interactive projects lead to measurable gains in higher-order thinking skills.
66% of corporate training is instructor-led, rising to 80% in top-performing sectors
While e-learning is growing, most corporate training (especially in high-performing industries like finance and tech) is still delivered by live instructors, often in-person or through virtual classrooms.
Instructor-led formats are rated more effective than e-learning
On average, instructor-led training formats receive a 3.63 out of 5 rating for effectiveness, compared to just 3.05 for e-learning.
Learners often report better clarity, real-time support, and more engaging delivery from live instruction.
Is online learning better than classroom learning?
Where online shines
- Higher retention and faster learning — 25–60% more material retained, 40–60% faster completion savemyexams.com+10learnopoly.com+10worldmetrics.org+10.
- Cost & time-efficient — significant reductions in expenses, travel, time, and energy.
- High satisfaction and scalability — many learners find its flexibility and pace advantageous; corporations report enhanced productivity.
- Environmentally friendly — substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions and resource use.
Limitations & classroom advantages
- Less social interaction & less focus — 54% still prefer in-person settings for engagement; instructor-led training scores higher in engagement metrics
- Challenges for some learners — certain learners struggle with self-discipline, motivation, and mental health online, and grades may dip for others.
- Uneven access & digital fatigue — disparities in internet access, screen fatigue, and initial adjustment issues can limit uptake.
Key online vs classroom learning statistics
Here’s a side-by-side comparison backed by recent data:
| Metric | Online Learning | Classroom Learning |
| Retention Rate | Students retain 25–60% more material online than in classrooms (which have only 8–10%) | Lower rates—around 8–10% retention |
| Time Efficiency | Learning takes 40–60% less time online | Generally slower due to fixed schedules and travel |
| Completion & Productivity | Online courses have 90% completion rates, and corporate online training saves 50–70% in costs while boosting productivity by up to 42% | In-person training has lower completion and higher costs |
| Perceived Effectiveness | Around 90% of students rate e-learning equal or superior; 77% of academic leaders affirm its outcomes | Instructor‑led rated higher (3.63/5 vs. e-learning’s 3.05) |
| Cost & Environmental Impact | E-learning can cut energy usage by ~87–90% vs in-person, reducing CO₂ per student by 85%, and save $50–200/month | Higher overheads due to facilities, travel, printed materials |
| Learner Preference | 60+% choose online for flexibility; 52% of graduate students think it’s better | 54% of students still prefer classroom for engagement and focus |
Wrapping up
When it comes to retaining knowledge, saving time, and offering flexibility, online learning often has the edge over traditional methods.
That’s why more and more companies, educators, and students are getting behind it.
But here’s the thing.
Online learning isn’t always the perfect fit.
There are times when face-to-face interaction, a focused environment, and real-time feedback make all the difference.
That’s where hybrid or blended learning comes in.
It combines the best parts of both worlds: the convenience of digital learning with the engagement of in-person experiences.
A lot of corporate training programmes are now mixing these approaches to create more personalised, effective learning.
So, instead of asking which is better, online or in-person, it’s more about what works best for the learner.
Their goals, their setting, and how they learn best should guide the choice.