Trends in Higher Education
Explore trends transforming higher education, from mental health initiatives to VR and AI. Contact us to discover innovative solutions and create spaces that support students, staff, and your institution’s mission.
Trends in Higher Education
Our changing society, technologies, and financial pressures all have profound impacts on higher education institutions. Start your selling effort by understanding trends in the market and their impact so we can define the value of our offerings based on our client's actual needs.
Social Trends
Diversity
Attendance by students with diverse backgrounds, including students of color, LGBTQ students, non-traditional students, and those with disabilities, has increased over 27% since the 80s. Additionally, 23% of higher education positions in the US are held by people of color and people with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Mental Health Awareness
Colleges face growing concerns for student mental health—specifically issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. They are responding by increasing spaces to promote inclusion, supporting the neurodiverse population, and centralizing mental health services.
Technological Trends
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is transforming higher education with the potential to automate tasks, enhance enrollment, and personalize learning.
Online learning
A third of higher education students takeat least one online class. Factors driving this trend include students’ increasing familiarity with online learning technology, increased access to high-speed internet, and the rise of online programs.
Virtual reality (VR)
VR is gaining traction in higher education, particularly in science and medicine disciplines. VR offers immersive learning experiences, allowing students to engage in virtual labs and simulations that might not be otherwise accessible.
Curriculum Trends
Closing the Skills Gap
The rise of automation and industrial innovation have created a demand for new skills. To address this, universities are partnering with corporations, incorporating competency-based education (CBE) models and emphasizing work-integrated learning experiences.
Financial Trends
Fundraising
While giving to higher education institutions has decreased overall, and many sources of state funding have decreased, large capital campaign donations are increasing. This indicates a shift in philanthropy, with fewer individuals contributing larger sums.
Public universities are looking to attract funding from businesses and private entities by highlighting their research capabilities and partnering on projects like Northeastern University's Roux Institute.
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