A new study has revealed that Tennessee is among the top ten states in the nation for growth in distance education enrollment. Ranking ninth overall, Tennessee recorded a 1.90% increase in students choosing online or hybrid learning between 2022 and 2023.

The research, conducted by eLearning Industry using data from the National Center for Education Statistics, highlights a broader shift toward digital education across the country. Mississippi leads the way with a 5.53% increase, followed by South Dakota at 3.94% and North Dakota at 3.91%. Vermont, Iowa, Maine, Connecticut, Arizona, and New Hampshire round out the top ten alongside Tennessee.

While Tennessee’s growth may not be as sharp as Mississippi’s, the ranking underscores the state’s role in embracing flexible learning models. Experts say the rise reflects both student demand and institutional investment in digital infrastructure. Online learning has become a lifeline for students balancing work, family, and education, and the numbers suggest that more Tennesseans are turning to these options to meet their academic goals.

Nationwide, the study found that nearly 40% of all distance education enrollment growth occurred in the last three months of the year, aligning with the fall semester and holiday season. At the same time, some states are seeing declines. New York, for example, reported a 5.88% drop in enrollment, showing that adoption varies widely across regions.

A spokesperson for eLearning Industry noted that states leading in growth are emerging as “key hubs for digital education innovation.” The findings also serve as a reminder that growth must be matched with quality. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring student engagement, investing in faculty training, and addressing broadband access disparities to ensure that online learning remains effective and equitable.

For Tennessee, the ninth-place ranking is a sign that the state is keeping pace with national trends. As more students seek flexible pathways to degrees and credentials, distance learning is proving to be more than a temporary solution—it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern education.

For more information about the study, visit https://elearningindustry.com/