Blog

The latest research and insights from Gray DI

Trending Now: Creator Economy College Programs Are Growing

The creator economy, projected to skyrocket to $78.91 billion by 2031, is transforming career opportunities, and higher education is rising to meet the moment. From degrees in digital media influence to certificates in influencer marketing, colleges are crafting programs that blend creativity with cutting-edge skills like AI, marketing, and content creation. As influencers redefine modern celebrity and employers prioritize social media expertise, these programs are shaping the next generation of industry leaders in a dynamic and ever-evolving field.

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Gray Insights

Unlocking Collaboration: Why Data Literacy is Key to Strategic Program Planning in Higher Education

In a world full of data, higher education institutions must turn information into meaningful decisions. Data literacy among leaders is key to moving beyond subjective opinions and creating evidence-based strategies for academic program planning. Equipping stakeholders to analyze, interpret, and communicate data, fostering transparency, and cultivating a data-informed culture enable smarter decisions, enhanced collaboration, and sustainable growth. Discover how data literacy transforms program evaluation into a strategic advantage that meets student needs and adapts to changing demands.

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Gray Insights

What Does it Really Mean to Cut a Program?

When financial pressures rise, colleges and universities often consider cutting academic programs to balance budgets—but is this truly effective? Cutting a program can seem like an easy solution, yet the financial impact is complex, with potential enrollment and revenue losses that may outweigh the savings. Explore the nuanced economics of program cuts, using a real-world example to reveal how revenue, costs, and contribution margins intersect. Discover why a data-informed approach to evaluating program economics is crucial for making strategic, sustainable budget decisions.

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Gray Insights

Benchmarking for Financial Vitality in Higher Education: Beyond Cost-Cutting

Meeting the financial and educational demands of higher education today requires a careful balance of efficiency and quality. Benchmarking data enables institutions to make informed decisions that optimize costs, foster growth, and ensure student success. By analyzing cost per student credit hour, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing targeted cost reductions, higher education leaders can position their institutions for a sustainable future, supporting both fiscal health and educational excellence.

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Gray Insights

Maximize Your Faculty Resources

Discover how thoughtful faculty allocation can unlock greater efficiency and elevate student success. By comparing Contemporary University’s current faculty distribution with industry benchmarks, we uncover ways to redeploy full-time faculty across course levels, optimizing cost-per-student-credit-hour and boosting outcomes. Discover how benchmarking data can drive strategic, student-centered resource planning for impactful results.

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Gray Insights

The Data Whisperers: Translating Complex Data into Actionable Insights

Institutional Researchers (IR) have the unique ability to transform complex datasets into actionable insights that drive decisions across institutions. However, the key to their success lies in effective communication and data visualization, ensuring that stakeholders can easily grasp and engage with the information. Discover how clear, compelling storytelling and well-crafted visualizations can bridge the gap between raw data and informed action. From practical tips on data storytelling to the power of visualization, these insights will help you unlock the full potential of your institution’s data.

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Gray Insights

Uncovering Hidden Economic Opportunities: Cost per SCH

Is your institution maximizing resources, or are hidden inefficiencies draining your budget? Discover how optimizing cost per student credit hour (SCH) can unlock major savings. Through a case study of Contemporary University—a fictional institution with over 13,000 students—this guide outlines four steps to reveal financial efficiencies, from benchmarking against peers to optimizing course scheduling. Learn how Gray DI’s PES Economics and Outcomes software can help improve resource allocation and drive long-term sustainability, showing how small adjustments can lead to substantial impacts on financial health.

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Gray Data

Battling Disinformation and Misinformation in the Age of AI

As digital disinformation grows more sophisticated, institutions are preparing students to tackle the challenges of AI-driven misinformation. Digital media literacy requirements are increasing, with universities offering new programs addressing disinformation across various fields. From specialized degrees to emerging career paths, higher education is responding to the need for professionals who can discern fact from fiction. Discover how academic programs are evolving to meet this challenge and what it means for future graduates.

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Gray Insights

History Majors: Beyond the Myths and Into the Workforce

Discover the real story behind History majors’ career success. Despite common misconceptions, humanities graduates—especially History majors—are thriving in diverse, high-paying careers. Data from the American Community Survey reveals how they excel in fields like law, management, and education, often out-earning Business majors. Learn how accurate insights can help students pursue their passions while securing meaningful employment, and how institutions can reshape the narrative around humanities degrees.

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Gray Data

And the Bronze Medal for Highest-Performing Academic Program Goes To…

Inspired by the recent Olympic achievements, Mechanical Engineering is earning its place on the podium as one of the highest-performing academic programs. With strong student demand, robust employment prospects, and strategic positioning, this program is poised for growth. Dive into the factors driving these trends and discover how institutions can leverage this momentum to their advantage.

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