Cutting Degrees to Grow Enrollment

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.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.Related Articles:https://www.highereddive.com/news/st-cloud-state-cut-majors-programs-larry-lee/715583/https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/cost-cutting/2024/02/20/another-wave-campus-cuts-hits-midwest-especially-hardhttps://www.statenews.org/news/2024-02-21/ohio-universities-keep-cutting-programs-whats-the-deal
- - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders, innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success. Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution. Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.