Distance learning, sometimes called distance education, is the process by which students use the internet to attend classes and complete courses toward a degree without having to be physically on a campus. It was growing steadily even before COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated it dramatically. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 36% of U.S. undergraduates took at least one distance education course in fall 2019, and that share jumped to 75% in fall 2020. Schools had to build or improve their online classes quickly, and teachers and students had to get up to speed on new technology almost overnight.

Distance learning is far more common than it used to be, and the pandemic-era surge has settled into a new normal. Provisional NCES data shows that 54.6% of undergraduates still took at least some distance education in fall 2024, and 23.7% studied exclusively online—both well above pre-pandemic levels. With so many options available, it’s worth understanding how each model works so you can choose the one that fits your life. If you’re weighing your options, you can also explore WGU’s flexible competency-based programs as you read.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning—or remote learning—is a model in which students and instructors are separated by location and connect through technology. Instead of gathering in a campus classroom, learners attend a virtual classroom, watch recorded lectures, and complete coursework from anywhere, sometimes on their own time. Common delivery methods include live video lectures, email, instant messaging, file-sharing systems, mailed media, and prerecorded content.

The terms “distance learning” and “online learning” overlap so much that many people use them interchangeably, and you’ll often see online and distance learning described together. Hybrid learning is different: It deliberately combines online and in-person instruction, with some sessions on campus and others remote. Keep in mind, too, that some programs delivered mostly online still include in-person clinical, fieldwork, laboratory, or student teaching requirements, depending on the field. At WGU, for example, clinicals in healthcare programs and student teaching in teacher-preparation programs are completed in person alongside online coursework.

What Is Traditional Learning?

Traditional learning describes the familiar setting of an instructor leading a group of students in person, moderating discussion, and guiding the flow of material. While remote learners certainly existed before 2020, the traditional classroom was the norm. Many educators and students still value it, especially at the college and graduate level, for its spontaneous discussion, face-to-face mentorship, and built-in structure.

In-person classes have changed, too. New technology, new expectations, and new attitudes about what makes a valuable learning experience have shaped teacher and professor methodologies nationwide, and many traditional programs now include online course components, such as recorded lectures, digital course materials, and online assignment submission. A traditional program can still use plenty of digital tools; what defines it is that most instruction happens in a shared physical space.

Distance Learning vs. Traditional Learning

For many people, the most important factor is that remote learners don’t have immediate access to an instructor teaching in front of them. Live online lectures can narrow that gap, but for some students, not having an instructor in the room is reason enough to choose a traditional classroom. A few key differences between these education styles include:

• Where the lessons occur.
• When the lessons occur.
• The pace at which the lessons are administered.
• The environment in which the student is immersed.
• The independence and autonomy required of the student.
• The firsthand sources of information the student receives.
• The level of candid interaction and attention the student receives.
• The cost of attendance, which can vary significantly.

Many people consider in-person interaction and socializing essential to a comprehensive, enriching academic experience. For this reason, many schools have adopted a blended approach, combining the strengths of both models where each fits best.

There are also situations in which an in-person classroom isn’t ideal, safe, or even possible. The COVID-19 pandemic is one clear example. Many parents and instructors shifted to distance learning to keep students engaged remotely rather than having every student withdraw into quarantine, while others kept classes in person and added precautions like social distancing.

Nontraditional students are another group that has found success through the convenience of online learning. Working parents, professionals pursuing advanced degrees after hours, and even young people catching up after an illness may all benefit from the freedom of a virtual learning experience.

Ultimately, the best option depends on the individual student. If your schedule is unpredictable, finding a format you can fit around work and family may matter most. If you thrive on in-the-room discussion, a traditional classroom may suit you better. If your career field requires hands-on training, look for programs with built-in in-person components. And wherever you study, consider what kind of support will be available to you. Either approach can help prepare a student for career success.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Distance Learning?

The biggest potential advantage of distance learning is flexibility, while the biggest potential challenge is the need for reliable technology and self-direction. Below is a closer look at the benefits of online learning, along with its drawbacks, in five areas.

Technical Elements

Pros: Many students quickly learn new technology and excel with it, and some even list their experience with learning platforms on their résumés. You can also pursue your education from anywhere with an internet connection, and videoconferencing, messaging, and other digital learning tools have made it easier than ever for students and teachers to share information and connect.

Cons: Sometimes students run into technical difficulties: a spotty connection, software that fails, or trouble accessing a course. These problems are often fixed quickly, but a backup plan—such as a second device or a nearby library—and a contact person for technical support can keep a small glitch from becoming a big setback.

Credibility

Every student wants to know that their work will matter to a potential employer. Are online colleges credible? Is online learning effective? These are reasonable questions to ask when you’re considering distance learning.

Pros: Employers are increasingly open to degrees earned online. In the Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey, which covers graduate business education, 55% of recruiters worldwide agreed that their company values graduates of online or predominantly online programs and in-person programs equally. Public opinion has shifted as well: In New America’s Varying Degrees 2022 survey, 47% of Americans rated the quality of online learning as about the same as in-person learning, and 8% rated it better, up from 3% the year before.

What’s often most important to employers is that your school is accredited. Universities work hard to achieve and maintain accreditation, which helps ensure that students earn degrees that are valuable to them and to employers; WGU’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 2024. Employers may also respect you for having studied remotely, since they’ll recognize the time and discipline it takes to succeed in distance learning.

Cons: Some employers may still rank online education below a degree from a traditional college, and the above-referenced Graduate Management Admission Council survey shows that attitudes vary by region: 45% of U.S. recruiters said that their company does not value the two formats equally. When employers don’t understand the rigor and quality of an online program, they may hesitate. For-profit or unaccredited schools can also be a serious credibility problem, so make sure your program is accredited and offers marketable credentials. Being able to explain those factors typically helps validate your program to potential employers.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the main reason many people choose distance learning, but it comes with trade-offs as well as benefits.

Pros: If you have a full-time job or family responsibilities, the flexibility of distance learning can support a better work-life balance. You don’t have to commute to and from school, coordinate childcare, or leave work to attend class. You can keep up with your job and family while completing your schooling when the timing is right for you, and many online courses offer recorded lectures and self-paced materials that make that easier.

At institutions like WGU, you can complete coursework and take exams according to your schedule. With competency-based education, you can move quickly through material you already understand and spend more time on the material you need help with, which means you’re in charge of your own pace.

Cons: Some distance learning options don’t offer as much flexibility as you might need, requiring you to log in at a set time or attend discussions live. While that may still be more convenient than driving to a campus, scheduled online classes may not fit every life. WGU, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to log in at a certain time to view lectures or have discussions. Even so, that freedom can be difficult for students who aren’t self-motivated. Since no one expects you to show up at a particular time, you need the discipline to make time for your education, and when you’re at home, distractions from family, chores, and phones can pull your attention away.

Cost

Pros: Distance learning can reduce costs beyond tuition. According to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing 2025, average published tuition and fees for 2025–26 were $11,950 at public four-year institutions (in state) and $45,000 at private nonprofit four-year institutions, and average housing and food costs for students living on campus were $13,900 and $15,920, respectively.

Students who study from home may avoid some of those extra expenses, along with the time and money spent on a commute. WGU charges flat-rate tuition per six-month term instead of per credit hour, so completing more courses in a term doesn’t increase the price, and e-textbooks and course materials are included.

Cons: Distance learning isn’t automatically cheaper. Tuition varies widely among online programs; some schools add technology or per-course fees, and you may need to budget for a reliable computer and internet service. Compare the total cost of each option, not just the sticker price, and ask about financial aid before you decide.

Social Interactions

Some students worry that distance learning means they are entirely on their own, but that is rarely the case.

Pros: Online learning often offers many opportunities for students to connect with others. At WGU, for example, students work with a Program Mentor and Course Instructors by phone or email, giving them an important lifeline to people invested in their success. Online students can also take part in student communities to compare notes on courses and offer one another help, and a large alumni network makes it possible to keep building connections throughout your career.

Cons: If you want to talk with others face-to-face or take part in in-person clubs and events, distance learning may not be the best fit. You can still be social, but most interactions happen by phone or on online platforms.

Is Distance Learning Right for Me?

If you’re thinking about earning your degree online, it’s important to ask yourself the following:

• Do I have the self-discipline and motivation to learn on my own schedule?
• Do I have the time to commit to distance education, or can I find a program that fits into my life?
• Do I feel comfortable asking for help?
• Does my field require in-person training, such as clinical hours or lab work?
• Do I learn best by listening, reading, or doing?

While distance learning may not be for everyone, many of the questions that students have can be answered by looking honestly at your schedule, your learning style, your career requirements, and the support you’ll have. For some students, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. To see how online study can fit into your professional plans, read about how online learning helps your career.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re ready to pursue higher education in the way that works best for you, explore WGU’s flexible competency-based online programs, or start with the school that matches your goals:

• School of Business: For learners interested in management, marketing, accounting, and more.
• School of Education: For aspiring and current teachers pursuing licensure or advanced credentials.
• School of Technology: For those looking to build skills in IT, cybersecurity, AI, software, and cloud computing.
• Leavitt School of Health: For students preparing for careers in nursing and healthcare.