# Online courses edge out in-person courses for skill-building

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/ai/online-courses-edge-out-in-person-courses-for-skill-building/

> Indexed question in AI & Tech.

## Reading

In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted Jan. 16 to 27, 2025, 41% of Americans said they would prefer taking an online course for a skill they need, assuming the cost is similar.

About three-in-ten preferred an in-person course (31%), while 14% were indifferent. Another 14% said they do not take courses online or in person, or were not sure.

## Topline

Do you prefer taking an online or an in-person course for a skill that you need, provided that the cost is similar?

41% of Americans prefer an online course for learning a needed skill when cost is similar.

- Online: 40.7%
- In person: 31.4%
- Indifferent: 13.9%
- N/A, I don't take courses online or in person: 9.2%
- Not sure: 4.7%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: United States adults
- Field dates: 2025-01-16 → 2025-01-27
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.3%
- Module: Verasight AEA Omnibus Survey #2025-002
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://verasight-aea-2025.tiiny.co](https://verasight-aea-2025.tiiny.co)

## Citation

Verasight AEA Omnibus Survey #2025-002, fielded January 16-27, 2025, N=1,000 United States adults, +/- 3.3%.

Canonical question URL: [https://verasight-aea-2025.tiiny.co](https://verasight-aea-2025.tiiny.co)