What to Expect in a Hybrid Degree Program

In this post, we will explain what a hybrid degree program is. We’ll walk you through how it works, the benefits it offers, and some challenges you might face.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, hybrid education has taken off in a big way. Before the pandemic, only about 35% of U.S. colleges and universities offered hybrid courses. But during the 2020–2021 academic year, that number jumped to 73%, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This dramatic increase demonstrates the rapid adoption of new learning methods by schools.

A recent study by EDUCAUSE supports this finding: 85% of higher education institutions have now incorporated hybrid learning into their curriculum. And it’s not just schools driving the change—93% of students say they believe remote learning has helped their education, with many preferring a mix of online and in-person classes.

While a hybrid degree program offers many benefits—which explains their growing popularity—they’re not the right fit for everyone.

What Is a Hybrid Degree Program?

So, what is a hybrid college program?

A hybrid program—sometimes called a blended program—is basically a mix of online learning and traditional on-campus classes. It’s a great way to enjoy the flexibility of studying from anywhere, while still getting some face-to-face time with instructors and classmates.

Most of the online work happens through a learning management system (LMS), where you can dive into course materials organized into easy-to-follow modules. You’ll take exams, join group discussions online, and submit assignments, all from your computer or phone.

But don’t worry, hybrid programs still include in-person classes, especially for subjects that need hands-on practice, like nursing, science, or anything with lab work. Those on-campus days are really valuable for building confidence and mastering skills like presentations, clinical training, or working through complex experiments.

Plus, being on campus gives you a chance to connect with your professors and classmates in a way that’s hard to replicate online. Those face-to-face moments can make a big difference; not just for your grades, but for networking and support too.

You’ll find hybrid degrees in a bunch of areas. For example:

Business Administration: Online lectures mixed with on-campus workshops and group projects.
Education: Future teachers study theory online but get real classroom experience in person.
Nursing and Health Sciences: Study medical theory remotely, then head to labs or clinics for hands-on training.
Psychology: Learn online but participate in face-to-face counseling practicums.
IT and Computer Science: Get coding and theory lessons online, and join labs or problem-solving sessions in person.
Criminal Justice: Online lectures paired with simulations and fieldwork.
Social Work: Theory online, with practicum placements and workshops on campus.

If you’re someone who wants the best of both worlds, a flexible schedule with meaningful in-person learning, the mix of online and in-person classes could be just what you’re looking for.

How Scheduling Works in a Hybrid Program

This part depends on the school and the program. But in general, you’re going to have:

Weekly or Biweekly Campus Sessions

Some programs will have you come to campus every week, maybe one evening a week, or one full day. Others are more spaced out: every other week, once a month, or only at the beginning and end of each semester.

Those campus sessions are usually used for activities that are better conducted face-to-face: hands-on activities, discussions, group projects, presentations, labs, or exams. It’s also a good time to connect with your professors and classmates in real life, which makes the online part feel less isolating.

Flexible Online Coursework

This is where a hybrid degree program shines: the flexible college schedules it gives you. You do most of the “book work” or lectures online—when you want, where you want. As long as you meet the deadlines, you can often work at your own pace. That means doing a lecture at 10 p.m. in your PJs is fair game.

Some programs are more structured than others. For example, some will say “You have a lecture on Monday, quiz by Thursday, discussion post by Friday,” while others give you a module with everything due by Sunday night, and it’s up to you when and how you tackle it.

What the Workload Is Like

A hybrid college program workload doesn’t mean “easier.” You’re doing the same amount of work; you are just spreading it between two formats.

If anything, a hybrid degree program can feel harder at first because you have to juggle both online deadlines and show up in person. That takes a bit of adjustment.

You might find that your online work includes:

Watching 1–2 hours of lecture videos per week per class
Reading assignments
Weekly discussion posts or peer replies
Quizzes, tests, or papers
Occasional group work (done via Zoom, email, Slack, whatever)

Then, your in-person work might include:

Labs or simulations
Presentations or debates
Exams
Seminars or workshops
Networking events or peer reviews

The key is to stay organized and proactive. A lot of hybrid learners swear by using planners, digital calendars, or to-do apps like Notion or Todoist to keep track of everything.

Here are a few tips on how to stay focused when enrolled in a hybrid degree program:

Set a rhythm that works for you. Instead of winging it, choose a few blocks of time each week and treat them like non-negotiable class sessions.
Don’t go radio silent. It’s tempting to skip checking the portal for a few days, but things move fast—discussion posts, due dates, updates. A quick 5-minute check-in a few times a week can save you from last-minute panic.
Use in-person sessions as checkpoints. Think of these classes as little reset points to help you stay on track and stay motivated.
Find your people. Whether it’s a group chat or a study partner you meet at the library once a month, having someone to check in with can make a huge difference when you’re juggling everything.

Benefits of Choosing a Hybrid Program

Let’s quickly look at the benefits of in-person and remote learning—and how combining them in a hybrid model gives you the best of both worlds.

In-Person Learning

What it is: Attending classes regularly on campus.

Benefits:

Build strong, personal connections with professors and classmates
Develop important soft skills, like public speaking and teamwork
Access campus facilities such as labs, libraries, and study rooms
Better face-to-face networking opportunities, which can make a stronger impression

Challenges:

Can be difficult to balance with work, family, or travel
Usually more expensive due to commuting and campus fees

Remote Learning

What it is: Fully online classes, either live (synchronous) or on your own time (asynchronous).

Benefits:

Highly flexible—study from anywhere at times that fit your schedule
Great for those with busy lives or health, financial, or location barriers

Challenges:

Can feel isolating without in-person interaction
No access to campus facilities or hands-on learning

Hybrid learning combines the best of both in-person and remote education, offering a balanced approach that addresses many of the challenges found in each method. Here are the top benefits of hybrid learning:

Flexibility: You can complete much of your coursework online, making it easier to fit school around work, family, and other commitments.
In-Person Interaction: Hybrid programs include face-to-face sessions that help you build meaningful relationships with instructors and classmates, improving engagement and motivation.
Access to Resources: Hybrid students get to use campus facilities—like labs, libraries, and study centers—that aren’t available to fully remote learners.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities: For subjects that require practical experience (like healthcare, science, or business), hybrid formats offer in-person labs, workshops, or simulations.
Improved Networking: Meeting peers and faculty in person can create stronger professional connections than online-only programs, which is valuable for future career growth.
Balanced Cost and Convenience: Hybrid programs often cost less than fully in-person degrees due to fewer on-campus days, but still provide more engagement and support than fully online programs.

How Hybrid Programs Can Save You Money

The cost of hybrid programs is, unsurprisingly, lower than in-person programs. And here’s how they help you save money:

Cut Transportation and Housing Costs: Since you don’t have to be on campus every day, you can save a bunch on gas, parking, or public transit. Plus, if you live far away, you might not need to move or pay for expensive housing near campus. This is especially great if you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments and can’t just pack up and relocate.
Get Financial Aid and Scholarships for Hybrid Students: Good news: hybrid students often qualify for the same scholarships, grants, and financial aid as traditional students. So, signing up for a hybrid program won’t close doors on financial help that can make college more affordable.
Lower Opportunity Costs: Because hybrid learning cuts down on time spent commuting or relocating, you can keep up with personal and professional responsibilities without major disruptions. This reduces the indirect costs of education, like lost work hours or childcare expenses.

Here are some of the top colleges offering affordable college programs in hybrid formats:

Florida Atlantic University

Tuition: $4,879/year
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 55%

CUNY Lehman College

Tuition: $7,410/year
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 58%

San Jose State University

Tuition: $7,992/year
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 72%

Georgia State University

Tuition: $8,478/year
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 58%

Indiana University Bloomington

Tuition: $11,790/year
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 82%

Is a Hybrid Program Right for You?

So, which learning format would suit you best: hybrid learning vs online learning vs in-person?

It really comes down to your personality, your life setup, and how you learn best.

You’ll probably love a hybrid program if:

You’re independent and self-motivated.
You need flexibility for work or family.
You like a mix of solo learning and real-life interaction.
You’re tech-comfortable (but not necessarily tech-savvy).
You want to avoid commuting every day but don’t want to go fully online.

You might struggle with hybrid if:

You procrastinate easily.
You’re not super comfortable with online platforms.
You need a lot of structure or direct supervision.
Your internet is spotty, or your home isn’t a good study environment.

Before you dive in, get some answers from your potential school:

How often do I need to be on campus?
Are the online classes asynchronous or live?
What technology will I need?
Is there academic advising or tutoring support?
Can I switch to fully online or in-person later if I need to?
What kind of interaction can I expect with professors?

What Kind of Support Is Available?

Good hybrid programs don’t leave you hanging. They usually offer:

Tech support (because let’s face it, something will break)
Advising and tutoring
Career services
Mental health resources
Writing centers and library access
Discussion forums or online student communities

Seriously, don’t be afraid to use the help. Just because you’re not on campus full-time doesn’t mean you don’t deserve full support.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone fits the traditional full-time, on-campus college model. And, honestly, these days, many don’t. A hybrid degree can offer a more realistic option, combining flexibility with the chance to still engage face-to-face when it matters.

We’ve talked to a few people who went this route, and they all said the same thing: it takes a minute to get used to juggling online work with in-person stuff. But once they found a rhythm, it actually felt empowering. You can plan your week around real life and still stay connected with professors and classmates when it matters most.

So if you’re feeling unsure, that’s totally normal. Look into a few programs, talk to people who’ve done it, and ask yourself how you actually learn best.