Why broadband internet is imperative for the success of all college students
Nashville, Tenn. (May 22, 2025) - When you think of college, what is the first thing that pops into your head? Whether it’s long lectures, pulling all-nighters at the library, or even cramming for finals, one key component that’s required — access to broadband internet.
Over the years (especially since computers have become a major part of our everyday lives) colleges have relied on internet technology for their students to succeed. They use it for educational opportunities, collaboration and communication, student life, and more. I firmly believe that having internet access is essential for students to reach their full potential.
Academic access
The primary reason university students need broadband access is to complete academic work. Many universities require students to use online learning platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, MasterClass, and Skillshare. A study by the Educause Center for Analysis and Research (ECAR) found that 99% of colleges and universities have a learning management system (LMS) like one of these in place.
Research is also a big part of higher education. Students need to conduct research for papers, reports, long-term studies, and more. But today, instead of pouring over the books in the library, students can access the research they need virtually.
According to Inside Higher Ed, the shift from print to digital in academic publishing has become significant over the past few decades. While exact percentages can vary by institution and discipline, it's evident that a substantial portion of academic journals and databases are now accessible online.
Additionally, one of the most popular uses for broadband among college students is taking classes online. According to the Online Learning Statistics 2025 Report, approximately 73% of U.S. college students have taken at least one online course, and enrollment in fully online programs has increased by 52% over the past five years.
Plus, about 78% of online students report higher engagement with multimedia content, and 81% say they would take another online class. Moreover, 90% would recommend online learning to others. These numbers highlight how crucial internet access is for engaging in coursework and obtaining educational materials.
Collaboration and communication
A major component of college/university coursework is communication and collaboration with a student's peers. Group work is a requirement for almost every major, and to successfully complete a group project, members may need to work on it at different times. This is where programs like Google Workspace, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams come in handy.
Aside from communicating with fellow students, interacting with professors/teachers is essential for those looking to get the best grades. Often, the most effective ways to communicate with instructors is — you guessed it — online. Students can use email and online discussion boards to get feedback from their professors without having to find time in their schedules to meet in person.
But a student can't attend classes if they didn't sign up for them in the first place, right? Today, most colleges and universities use an online platform for class registration. For instance, platforms like CollegeNET are employed by approximately 1,000 institutions, including prominent universities such as Stanford, Yale, and the University of Michigan, to manage various administrative functions, including course enrollment.
Student experience
Now, let's get to the fun part of college — meeting new people, joining on-campus groups, and enjoying fun online entertainment during study breaks. It can be overwhelming to meet people when there are thousands of new students. That's why many young adults meet new friends through social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram.
According to On Campus Nation, approximately 98% of college students in the United States actively use social media platforms daily, highlighting its integral role in their academic and social lives. Students can also use those platforms to join on-campus groups like sororities, fraternities, youth groups, school spirit clubs, and more.
But let's be real, young adults mainly use social media for entertainment. And with college being the first time many students are away from home, they will have a lot of free time. This is where online entertainment can fill in the gaps. Students can use the internet for online gaming, streaming TV or movies, or watching short form content like TikTok.
Flexibility
Not every student goes away for college. Many chose to live at home and complete school online. That's where broadband plays an even bigger role. According to BestColleges.com, approximately 4.9 million students, representing 26% of college enrollees, are taking classes exclusively online. Broadband internet gives many students a more affordable option than living on campus, and the opportunity to get their degrees from home.
Flexibility is also a key factor here. According to the Online Learning Statistics 2025 Report, 85% of students choose online classes for this reason. Additionally, 92% of adult learners report that online education helps them balance studies with work and family commitments.
Ensuring success
Without broadband internet, none of this would be possible. Students would not have access to the highest level of education they deserve. Access to broadband is no longer a luxury for higher education students, it’s a requirement for success.
That’s why the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit Connected Nation is dedicated to ending the Digital Divide for all, including college students. Our website has countless resources for students looking to enhance their broadband connection.
To learn more, please visit our website connectednation.org and click on “Resources.” Or you can reach out to me, Senior Communications Specialist Lily McCoy, at lmccoy@connectednation.org.
About the Author: Lily McCoy is the Connected Nation Senior Communication Specialist. Lily provides support to the Communications Department through social media outreach and writing. She also adds a source of creativity to the team with a background in personal relations and marketing. Lily has a bachelors in corporate and organizational communications from Western Kentucky University.