Gray Insights

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.

Read More
October 31, 2024
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.

Read More
October 29, 2024
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.

Read More
October 22, 2024
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.

Read More
October 15, 2024
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.

Read More
September 24, 2024
A finger points to a digital arrow on a chart
Gray Insights

Benchmarking Program Economics: Improve Efficiencies in a Challenging Higher Education Environment

Amid rising costs and declining enrollments, institutions find that benchmarking program economics is a fiscal lifeline.This strategy uncovers cost-saving opportunities, optimizes resource allocation, and reveals hidden cost drivers. By comparing your program and course economics to peer institutions, you can identify efficiency opportunities and ensure strategic resource use for growth and sustainability. Discover how a data-informed approach, accessible to all key stakeholders, transforms resource management and empowers institutions to thrive.

Read More
August 6, 2024
Gray Insights

Closing the Gap: Why Aligning College Skills with Workforce Needs Matters More Than Ever

A recent report highlights a pressing issue in higher education: while nearly all adults without a degree see its value, there is a significant skills gap between what colleges teach and what employers need. Aligning college programs with in-demand skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership is essential. Addressing this gap ensures that graduates are prepared for the job market, benefiting students, employers, and educational institutions alike. Discover why this alignment is crucial for future success.

Read More
July 18, 2024
Gray Insights

The Clock is Ticking: Waiting for Program Evaluation is a Risk You Can’t Afford

Timely adoption of a Program Evaluation System (PES) is crucial for sustaining successful academic programs. Early implementation offers valuable insights into program economics, market demand, and resource optimization, while delaying can lead to financial strain, missed opportunities, and decreased competitiveness. Whether building a custom system or opting for specialized software, investing in PES is a proactive step toward ensuring your institution’s programs remain relevant and financially viable, driving higher enrollment and improved student outcomes.

Read More
June 25, 2024
Gray Insights

Evaluating Program Economics: A Data-Informed Approach to Strategic Decision-Making in Higher Education

Facing unprecedented financial and demographic challenges, colleges and universities must adopt strategic financial management practices to thrive. Program economics offers a data-informed approach to understanding the revenue and costs associated with individual programs, enabling institutions to make informed decisions. This methodology not only supports financial sustainability but also aligns academic offerings with market demands, helping to attract and retain students in a competitive landscape. Embracing this student-centric approach can provide a crucial advantage in ensuring institutional success.

Read More
June 11, 2024
Load More