New research from Rize Education finds students are choosing hybrid models—combining residential campus benefits with regular online coursework—over strict binaries of fully online or fully in‑person. The survey of more than 1,500 students shows 91% of high school respondents want at least one online course per semester in college; 31% would switch from a top‑choice college to one offering online options. Current undergraduates echo the preference: roughly two‑thirds want at least one online course each semester and 66% want more online offerings than their institutions currently provide. The research highlights flexibility as a decisive enrollment factor for prospective students and a retention lever for schools facing demographic headwinds. Small colleges that do not add hybrid pathways face enrollment risk; leaders should consider integrating structured online offerings, stackable credentials and flexible scheduling to align with evolving student preferences.