Higher Ed Pulse

Cutting Degrees to Grow Enrollment

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Pulse, Mallory and Seth dive into the controversial topic of cutting degree programs to address budget shortfalls and declining enrollments. They explore the recent example of St. Cloud State University, which is planning to cut 46 degree programs and reduce faculty by 13%. Seth offers a contrarian view, suggesting that strategic program cuts can actually drive growth by reallocating resources to high-demand areas. They discuss the importance of aligning educational offerings with market and employer demands, and emphasize the crucial role marketers can play in these decisions.

Episode Notes

Key Takeaways:

Cutting programs can drive growth by reallocating resources to higher-demand areas.
Aligning educational offerings with employer and market demands is crucial for financial health.
Marketers should earn a seat at the table in academic restructuring conversations.
Using tools like paid search data and market demand analysis can inform strategic decisions.
Scenario planning and presenting data-backed recommendations are essential for making impactful decisions.
Understanding regional and national demand trends helps in making informed program cuts and investments.