Meeting Students Where They Are: Reaching Underserved Populations With Online Learning

Higher education institutions face a pressing challenge: extending their reach to meet the diverse needs of today’s students. Many learners encounter barriers that make traditional, in-person education impractical—whether due to geographic constraints, financial limitations, or competing personal responsibilities. These obstacles prevent countless individuals from pursuing opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Online learning has emerged as a transformative solution, bridging the gap for those who might otherwise be left behind. By offering unmatched flexibility, affordability, and scalability, online programs empower institutions to connect with a broader and more diverse student population. The right course design and institutional strategies can make a transformative difference, offering a flexible and scalable solution by making higher education more accessible to those who need it most.

Let’s examine why online learning is key to reaching underserved populations. Then, we’ll cover specific strategies for designing impactful online learning programs and look at what it takes to make them successful.

Meeting students where they are: Why online learning is the answer

Online learning has emerged as a powerful tool in the effort to make education more accessible, but why is this? This technology is uniquely positioned to address many of the barriers that traditionally prevent students from pursuing education by offering three main benefits: flexibility, affordability, and scalability.

Flexibility

Online learning offers inherent flexibility in time and location, which can be invaluable to prospective students. Students can more easily balance the demands of education with important work and family responsibilities, such as full-time jobs, caregiving, or other personal commitments. For those students in rural areas or underserved urban communities where access to higher education options may be limited, online learning offers a viable alternative, allowing access to high-quality courses and programs from anywhere in the world.

Affordability

According to a recent report, an online higher education degree can be up to $30,545 cheaper than a traditional one. The financial barrier to higher education is one of the biggest obstacles for underserved populations. Traditional, on-campus programs often come with high tuition fees, not to mention additional costs for commuting, housing, and more. Online learning is often more affordable, with many programs offering lower tuition rates and fewer associated costs.

Scalability

Online education provides scalability that traditional classrooms simply cannot match. Colleges and universities can offer programs to large numbers of students without the physical constraints of campus facilities or classroom sizes. This means that institutions can expand their reach to serve a broader, more diverse student body, particularly those who have historically been excluded from educational opportunities.

Four key strategies for designing impactful online learning programs

To effectively reach and support underserved populations, begin with a thoughtful strategy. Start with the following key areas, and then tweak and expand your strategy as needed to suit your particular institution’s or program’s needs.

• Prioritize accessibility. A study by the ADA found that 34% of respondents with a documented disability had enrolled in an online degree program. To support these students, use universal design principles to create materials that cater to students with disabilities, offering alternative formats like audio descriptions, captions, and screen-reader compatibility. And to further increase accessibility for all students, integrate mobile-friendly technology for those who rely on smartphones or tablets for access.
• Support non-traditional students. Create programs tailored for working adults, parents, and first-generation college students. Offer courses that integrate career-focused credentials alongside traditional degree programs, highlighting clear pathways for career advancement and economic mobility.
• Focus on student engagement. Virtual learning experiences should be equally as enriching as in-person classes. Leverage regular and substantive interaction (RSI) to ensure engagement and quality in your learning programs. Encourage interaction through collaborative activities, discussion forums, and peer feedback. Incorporate quizzes, polls, and gamified content to keep students engaged throughout courses.
• Build strong networks and communities. Creating a sense of community is vital in online learning environments. Offer virtual office hours, mentorship programs, and peer networks. Provide accessible academic advising and robust technical support to help students navigate both content and the learning platform. Support programs that address challenges such as isolation and digital literacy to equip students with the skills they need to thrive.

Successfully reaching underserved populations requires a multi-pronged approach

Educators and academic leaders need to align their online learning strategies with the institutional missions of equity and access, advocating for course designs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. At the same time, administrators and technology leaders must invest in the infrastructure and support systems needed to ensure the success of online learners. This includes not only the right technology—such as learning management systems and reliable internet access—but also the staff and training necessary to support students in a virtual environment.

Policymakers, too, have a critical role to play by recognizing the importance of online learning in expanding access to higher education and funding initiatives that help make it a reality for underserved communities. With buy-in and coordination in each of these areas, institutions have an even greater opportunity to create a more equitable landscape in online education.

A path to more inclusive and accessible higher education

Online learning has the potential to transform higher education by making it more inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of students. By offering flexible, affordable, and scalable solutions, online programs can break down the barriers of location, cost, and personal responsibilities. As institutions continue to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, online education will play a key role in shaping a more equitable future for all learners.

To explore how your institution can better accommodate underserved populations through online learning, connect with a Class expert today.