In recent years, colleges and universities across Indiana have faced a significant challenge: declining enrollment. In 2022, just 53% of high school graduates in Indiana went directly to college. That number is about 13 percentage points lower than a decade ago. For many institutions, this trend threatens financial stability, program viability and the ability to meet workforce demands. As traditional degree programs alone no longer attract the number of students they once did, academic institutions must adapt by offering alternative, high-value education options that align with student and industry needs. 

One of the most effective ways to combat declining enrollment is through grant-funded certification training programs. These programs offer students a fast track to high-demand careers while providing institutions with a compelling value proposition to attract new enrollments. Here’s how schools in Indiana can leverage certification training programs, supported by the Next Level Jobs grant, to reverse declining enrollment and drive retention.

The Decline in Traditional Enrollment: What’s Causing It?

Several factors are contributing to the drop in student enrollment in higher education:

• Cost Concerns: Rising tuition and associated costs make traditional degrees less attractive to many students, especially those seeking a faster return on investment.
• Shifting Job Market: The demand for skilled workers in industries like healthcare and information technology (IT) is rapidly growing, and many job seekers are looking for quicker, more affordable education paths to enter these fields.
• Competition from Non-Traditional Learning: Online education, boot camps and certification programs have grown in popularity, offering students flexible, industry-aligned alternatives to traditional degree programs.

Given these shifts, institutions must think creatively about how to meet student expectations while staying competitive.

The Solution: Grant-Funded Certification Programs

By offering certification training programs in high-demand industries, Indiana colleges and universities can offer students a pathway to immediate employment opportunities. Even better, through the Next Level Jobs grant, these programs can be offered with minimal cost to both the student and the institution. This eliminates a significant financial barrier and provides a strong incentive for potential students.

Here’s how these programs benefit both students and institutions:

1. Faster, Focused Education: Unlike traditional four-year degree programs, certification training programs offer a more focused curriculum, allowing students to gain industry-relevant skills quickly. For fields such as healthcare and IT, these certifications can lead to high-paying, stable careers within months.
2. Accessible and Flexible: Many certification training programs are available online or through hybrid models, making them accessible to a wider audience of non-traditional students, including working professionals and those who need flexible scheduling options.
3. No Financial Burden: With the Next Level Jobs grant, schools can offer these certification training programs at no cost to students. This grant covers tuition, making it easier to attract students who are hesitant to take on student loan debt.
4. Increased Enrollment and Retention: Offering grant-funded certification training programs can attract a broader range of students, including those who may not have considered higher education otherwise. Once enrolled, these students are more likely to stay and complete their programs, as they can see the direct benefits of earning an industry-recognized certification.

The Impact on Your Institution

For schools facing declining enrollment, adding certification training programs to your portfolio offers a practical solution to fill seats. These programs can also:

• Broaden Your Appeal: Certification training programs attract diverse student populations, including those seeking career changes, skill upskilling or faster entry into the workforce.
• Boost Retention: Because certification training programs are shorter and more targeted, students are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their program.
• Support Workforce Development Goals: By aligning with the state’s high-demand industries, your institution can not only increase enrollment but also play a crucial role in meeting Indiana’s workforce development goals.

Take Action with MedCerts

At MedCerts, we specialize in helping Indiana schools implement certification training programs that meet the needs of today’s students and industries. Our programs in healthcare and IT are designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers. Plus, by partnering with us, your institution can take advantage of the Next Level Jobs grant, offering these programs at no cost to students.

Ready to tackle declining enrollment at your school? Contact MedCerts today to learn how we can help you implement grant-funded certification training programs that attract and retain students. Schedule a free consultation or join a webinar to get started.