Are Graduate Programs Saving Universities?

Hosts Mallory and Seth explore the shifts in graduate education amidst the challenges of undergraduate enrollment pressures. As higher ed institutions pivot toward expanding graduate offerings, this conversation dives into the financial motives, the competitive landscape, and innovative strategies for attracting and retaining graduate students. Featuring insights from the NAGAP GEM Summit and perspectives from industry professionals, this episode is a must-listen for those involved in the strategic planning and marketing of higher education programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Expansion: Many universities are expanding their graduate programs as a financial strategy to counterbalance undergraduate enrollment declines.
• Market Saturation: As more institutions turn to graduate offerings, the marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded, heightening competition.
• Financial Motivations: Behind the strategic shift to expand graduate programs lies a clear financial incentive, prompting institutions to rethink their program designs and marketing strategies.
• Operational Challenges: The rapid expansion of graduate programs is stretching resources thin, impacting faculty workloads and support services.
• Marketing Challenges: Marketing graduate programs is becoming more complex and costly, necessitating more strategic and targeted approaches.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Successful graduate programs are those that offer flexibility in learning formats to accommodate working professionals and leverage technology to enhance accessibility and engagement.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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