This blog post was written based on a conversation between Lee Maxey and Jim Fong, Chief Research Officer at UPCEA.

Watch the full conversation here.

Data and research are vital for guiding informed decisions in the rapidly evolving higher ed landscape. As Jim Fong, Chief Research Officer of UPCEA, discusses with MindMax’s Lee Maxey, institutions must carefully evaluate demographic shifts, student preferences, and economic trends to stay ahead. 

Fong stresses that remaining “steeped in tradition” is no longer enough for colleges to thrive—data-informed insights are essential for staying ahead of the curve and ensuring future success. 

The Power of Data in Shaping Higher Education

As Chief Research Officer, Jim Fong evaluates vast amounts of data and research pertaining to higher education. He stresses the importance of taking an industry-wide approach to his analysis and grounding his insights in data rather than personal bias. “I try to consume as much research as I can, and I process it,” Fong shares. “I try to make it so it’s not ‘Jim Fong biased;’ it’s hopefully industry biased, and I try to validate it when I can.”

Data Points to the Rise of the Adult Learner

Fong’s research has consistently highlighted key trends, including the rise of the adult learner market—a group he believes holds significant potential for institutions. The growing number of individuals with “some college, no degree” presents a unique opportunity. 

“I feel that the ‘some college, no degree’ audience could be the savior for colleges that are going to be generating less revenue due to decreased enrollments from traditional students.”

Shifting from degree-centric models to stackable credentials

One of the most critical shifts Fong identifies is the movement away from traditional degree programs toward stackable credentials. This approach allows students to accumulate smaller, incremental qualifications over time rather than investing in a full degree upfront. The trend is especially relevant for Gen Z and Millennial learners, who are more risk-averse and value flexibility in their educational pathways.

Fong explains, “These students are seeing other alternatives…they don’t want to get caught off guard and commit to a full degree. If you’ve got 40 credits and you’re going to commit to 120 credits and a degree completion program, that’s a big commitment.” By offering smaller, more affordable units of education, institutions can cater to the evolving needs of today’s learners and maintain a competitive edge.

Higher education must adapt

Fong points out that many institutions still rely on outdated systems designed around rigid degree structures. However, today’s higher education environment demands flexibility and innovation.

“The whole registrar relationship in the past was very rules-based…all built around the 120 credit or the 30 or 36 credit graduate model,” Fong notes. But this model is changing, and registrars need to embrace stackable credentials and alternative pathways that better fit the needs of modern students. Fong encourages institutions to reconsider legacy systems and focus on adapting processes to meet marketplace demands.

Leveraging Data and AI to Bridge the Skills Gap

Looking forward, Fong sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool to help institutions align their offerings with the current demands of the job market. By leveraging data, AI can analyze learning outcomes, identify skills gaps, and provide insights that ensure educational programs are relevant and valuable to employers.

Fong envisions a future where AI can play a crucial role in making education more efficient. AI has the potential to pull in vast amounts of data to suggest more precise educational pathways. This data-informed approach can link curriculum with employment outcomes in ways that are difficult to achieve with traditional human decision-making alone.

Using Data and Research to Be Proactive—Not Reactive

As higher education evolves, Fong emphasizes that institutions must use data not only to respond to challenges but also—more importantly—to anticipate them. 

“Colleges have got to look at greater innovation. They’ve got to look at, ‘what program could I do, what programs could I break down, and how do I get them to the marketplace better or quicker?’” Fong urges. Schools that adapt to trends and innovate will thrive, while those that cling to tradition risk falling behind.

Fong’s insights highlight the crucial role of data and research in driving informed decisions. Whether tracking demographic shifts or embracing AI, institutions must constantly evaluate trends and refine their strategies to remain competitive. By relying on data-informed insights, colleges can navigate the complexities of today’s higher education landscape and set themselves up for long-term success.

At MindMax, our “learn always” core value inspires us to continuously evaluate the higher ed landscape and adapt our approach accordingly to “get results”—another core value. Get in touch to discuss how we can help your school achieve its enrollment goals.