Many U.S. colleges are already experiencing an enrollment cliff, or sharp decline in enrollments, from fewer traditional college-age students. According to data from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates will decrease in more than three-quarters of states through 2041. Student demographics will also change, with more Latino and multiracial students enrolling in college.
Looking beyond traditional degree programs, there are several ways you can better align with shifting student and workforce perspectives to ensure your institution remains profitable and relevant. MedCerts Partner Solutions can help with workforce-aligned certification programs designed to attract non-traditional learners, strengthen your institution’s workforce partnerships and stabilize student enrollment.
1. Expand Beyond the Traditional Student Market
As part of your marketing strategy, bring more focus to adult learners seeking career changes. Whether for personal growth or to align with promotions and career ladders, many adults are looking to higher education to accelerate their career journeys.
Your institution might complement your traditional four-year degrees with short-term certifications focused on workforce outcomes. MedCerts’ healthcare and IT programs are designed for adult and workforce learners, helping bridge any gaps in your course catalog.
MedCerts’ short-term certifications also pair with workforce funding and employer-paid training. These broader offerings open access to new learner populations and help offset the decline in traditional enrollment.
2. Launch Workforce Programs Faster Through Partnerships
A lot goes into course creation. Designing new programs can be a lengthy process, with course development and accreditation slowing your expansion into new student markets.
To get up to speed faster, partner with training providers like MedCerts and benefit from lucrative content licensing and program reselling options. These partnerships help your institution quickly launch workforce programs to meet adult learner and employer needs. With MedCerts’ 50+ workforce-aligned certification programs in allied health and IT, you’ll expand your offerings without having to build new programs from scratch.
3. Align Programs With Employer Demand
Expanding individual skill sets is most effective when there’s a demand for those skills. Across today’s career fields, healthcare and IT roles remain among the most in demand and can be a strong attractant for new adult learners.
Offering targeted programs with job-ready training helps increase interest in your institution’s course catalog. It also positions you as a reliable partner in training for regional and local employer needs. Employers value industry certifications and job-ready skills, which is why short-term, job-ready certifications are a natural fit.
MedCerts’ certification training programs align with national certification bodies like the National Healthcare Association (NHA), Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) — all agency credentials that employers look for on resumes.
4. Support Student Success and Completion
Sometimes, adult learners need additional academic and career support. Having workforce programs in your course catalog, you’ll benefit from progress tracking that keeps students on track for completion.
A MedCerts partnership comes with Student Success Advisors and Career Coaches who support learners throughout their training. Your students and workforce partners get performance tracking to boost outcomes, while your institution sees higher completion rates and an enhanced reputation. With strong partnerships, you can train students to become sought-after candidates who enhance the local community.
Boost Student Enrollment
By aligning your course catalog with non-traditional learners, local employer demand and workforce partnerships, you can increase enrollment and keep student numbers stable across changing markets.
