
Ghosting College?
Why are fewer students choosing college? Enrollment is falling despite steady populations, with sharp declines in male participation reshaping the future. What’s driving this shift, and what can institutions do next?

Why are fewer students choosing college? Enrollment is falling despite steady populations, with sharp declines in male participation reshaping the future. What’s driving this shift, and what can institutions do next?

An academic program evaluation system (PES) should enable smart, data-informed decisions about new programs to start, existing programs to grow, and a few programs that may need to be phased out. AI has been the foundation of PES for over a decade. More recently, AI is augmenting the traditional PES, making it more accessible and giving it some superpowers.

Is the demographic cliff real or overstated? Updated data, clearer visuals, and overlooked student segments reveal a manageable headwind, not a collapse.

The “demographic cliff” may not be what it seems. Unpack global data, myths, and market realities shaping enrollment fears in today’s higher ed landscape.

AI tutors can be transformative—but only when built the right way. Curious what that actually takes? From avoiding AI “hallucinations” to protecting professors’ content and making sure students get real support (not shortcuts), this deep dive breaks down the must-haves for building AI that truly belongs in the classroom.

Fiscal fitness isn’t just about balancing budgets—it’s about ensuring long-term sustainability and student success. With enrollment growth rebounding and greater opportunities to improve efficiency, institutions have a prime opportunity to strengthen their financial health. Targeted enrollment strategies, smarter resource allocation, and academic efficiencies can drive operating margins without resorting to program cuts. Now is the time to rethink investments in marketing, retention, and faculty workloads to build a stronger, more resilient institution.

Facing financial challenges? You’re not alone. Many institutions are struggling to increase revenue and reduce costs, and traditional cost-cutting measures like program cuts often do more harm than good. These cuts fail to consider the complex web of revenue generators and resources within an institution. By gaining a deep understanding of program economics, colleges and universities can identify hidden opportunities for growth, optimize faculty workload, and make strategic adjustments that ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Academic Program Evaluation expert and best-selling author, Bob Atkins shares the many reasons you can’t grow, why you must grow, and how to grow, despite all the headwinds.

Improve your institution’s academic program portfolio with Gray’s free Master Class series led by experienced higher-education decision-makers. This four-part series covers data analysis, AI and machine learning, program evaluation, and student success integration. Stay ahead of the competition and ensure success by evaluating programs based on mission, academics, markets, and margins.
Stop navigating enrollment droughts and budget drains in the dark. Join Gray DI’s free Master Class Series and unleash data-informed insights to transform your academic portfolio.
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