The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a profound shift to online education, impacting students across various educational levels. This research, drawing from a comprehensive survey of 1,000,000 students, delves into the surge in demand for online education during the pandemic and its potential enduring implications. The study scrutinizes factors steering this transition, the perceived effectiveness of online education, challenges encountered by students, and their anticipated preferences for the future. Results unveil nuanced perspectives among K-12, undergraduate, and postgraduate students, with safety, flexibility, and accessibility emerging as pivotal influencers. The findings offer valuable insights into challenges faced and future preferences, enlightening educational stakeholders about the dynamic needs of students and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the post-pandemic educational landscape.