Adult student retention has become a defining measure of institutional health. As colleges and universities expand online programs to serve working professionals and adult learners, persistence has become just as important as enrollment.

To better understand today’s retention realities, Collegis partnered with UPCEA to survey online adult learners and higher education leaders nationwide. We examined what’s driving stop-out risk, where institutional strategies fall short, and how perceptions differ between students and leadership.

The results reveal a clear disconnect and a significant opportunity to rethink adult student retention with greater alignment, flexibility, and data-informed strategy.

Explore the key findings below.

Closing the Adult Student Retention Gap Starts with Alignment

The research reveals four clear disconnects: institutions prioritize structure while adult learners prioritize flexibility; students value dashboards more than leaders realize; support models remain generic despite varied life stages; and nearly half of institutions don’t track online retention at all.

Improving adult student retention requires more than small adjustments. It demands student-centered strategy, integrated data, and proactive engagement built around the realities of adult learners’ lives.

The infographic offers just a snapshot. Download the full eBook to access the complete findings and build a smarter, more effective adult student retention strategy.

As institutions increasingly look to graduate enrollment as a key growth strategy, they are facing a rapidly evolving and competitive landscape. To better understand the needs and expectations of prospective graduate students, Collegis Education partnered with UPCEA to conduct a comprehensive survey. The results, captured in the infographic below, provide valuable insights into how today’s post-baccalaureate students approach their search and application process.

The insights found in the infographic only scratch the surface of what the research uncovered. Download the full report for a deeper dive into the data and actionable strategies for improving your graduate enrollment pipeline.

Technology is the backbone of today’s higher education experience, yet many students face significant challenges that impact their learning, engagement, and persistence. To better understand these barriers, Collegis Education partnered with Inside Higher Ed to survey 450 students on their experiences with higher ed technology.

Our latest infographic highlights the key findings and their implications for student success.

To attract and enroll the right-fit students, you need to have a highly specialized higher ed marketing team — whether built in-house or supported by external partners. But with increasing competition for students and evolving digital marketing trends, which roles are essential for success?

We’re breaking down the key positions that drive effective marketing strategies, enhance the student journey, and generate a strong return on investment (ROI).

As demand for skills-based learning grows, microcredentials are emerging as a key opportunity for higher education institutions to strengthen employer partnerships. But what do businesses actually look for in these programs, and how can colleges and universities position themselves as the preferred partner?

To find out, Collegis Education and UPCEA surveyed 500 organizations to gauge employer perceptions of non-degree credentials. Here’s a snapshot of what we found:

To capitalize on the growing demand for microcredentials, institutions must proactively engage employers with well-designed, industry-aligned programs. By addressing employer concerns and offering flexible, high-value learning pathways, colleges and universities can establish long-term workforce partnerships and create sustainable enrollment pipelines.

The insights found in the infographic only scratch the surface of what the research uncovered. Download the full report to learn what incentivizes employers to work with four-year higher ed schools.

As the demand for workforce upskilling grows, higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to partner with employers on microcredentials and professional development programs. But with increasing competition from private providers like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Khan Academy, how can colleges and universities stand out?

To answer this question, Collegis Education and UPCEA surveyed more than 500 employers to understand their perceptions of working with higher ed institutions on professional development and alternative credentials.

Here’s a snapshot of what we found:

To stand out, institutions must focus on affordable, practical, and well-structured programs that align with employer needs. Successful partnerships require responsive engagement, clear outcomes, and content that directly applies to the workplace.

The insights found in the infographic only scratch the surface of what the research uncovered. Download the full report to learn what incentivizes employers to work with four-year higher ed schools.

As institutions rethink their online program management (OPM) partnerships, many are exploring alternative models that provide greater flexibility, cost control, and strategic alignment. However, transitioning away from an OPM provider is a complex process that requires careful planning to minimize disruption and ensure long-term success.

Check out the infographic below for an outlined, step-by-step approach to navigating this transition efficiently.

Successfully exiting an OPM relationship requires clear objectives, strategic planning, and the right partnerships to ensure a smooth transition. Institutions that take a data-driven, student-centered approach can maintain enrollment momentum while gaining greater control over their online programs.

Download our eBook for a more detailed guide on navigating this transition.

In an era of rapid change, higher education institutions must embrace innovation to remain competitive, improve student experiences, and drive enrollment growth. But where should leaders begin?

Our latest infographic provides a framework for assessing key areas that influence institutional success, from marketing and data strategies to student engagement and technology optimization.

With undergraduate enrollment declining by 4.2% over the last two years, institutions must take a proactive approach to recruitment and retention. While some schools struggle, others are successfully growing their enrollments by leveraging data-driven strategies and student-focused engagement tactics.

Our latest infographic highlights the key strategies that have helped institutions increase inquiries, improve conversion rates, and optimize marketing spend.

With cyberattacks on the rise, higher education institutions must move beyond reactive security measures and foster a cybersecure culture that protects students, faculty, and institutional data. A strong cybersecurity strategy isn’t just about technology — it’s about people, processes, and awareness.

Our latest infographic outlines key actions colleges and universities can take to build a proactive security mindset across their campuses.