For adult learners, the time is now. New research shows that interest among professionals in pursuing higher education h
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2024 7:12 am
For adult learners, the time is now. New research shows that interest among professionals in pursuing higher education has increased considerably, with a new wave of students actively researching and weighing their options. This brings with it a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to guide and assist prospective students on this journey.
Interest in higher education is increasing rapidly
interest
During a recent “ New Wave of Students ” event , Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson country b2b b2c email list unveiled for the first time new market research conducted by SimpsonScarborough and LinkedIn on potential adult learners in today’s climate.
The report includes some eye-opening insights. Here are some key points:
Nearly 1 in 2 adult learners said their interest in pursuing additional education has increased since the arrival of COVID-19.
2 in 3 respondents are in an active consideration phase, and 1 in 2 plans to sign up within six months. (Among LinkedIn members, these numbers rise to 77% and 64%.)
8 in 10 adult learners are interested in pursuing an online education. (85% of LinkedIn members compared to 73% of non-members).
The bottom line, according to Elizabeth: Adult learners are moving quickly, interested in online degree and non-degree programs. Additionally, they want affordable, highly flexible and usable options that increase their earning potential.
It's a new world, though. Many of these people are exploring higher education options for the first time, and even those who are familiar with the landscape may be less knowledgeable about online programs. Not to mention smaller-scale opportunities like bootcamps.
Institutions must find these students to attract them with a message that connects with their needs and dreams.
What is the new wave of students looking for?
objectives2
Everyone has their own goals, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing adult education. The best marketers and institutions know how to connect with these motivations through personalized content.
But from a broader strategic level, it is useful to understand general trends. Here, market research offers some revealing findings:
Interest is high across all program offerings: taking courses for credit, earning certificates for credit, starting master's/professional/doctoral programs, taking a non-credit course, starting an associate degree program, etc.
55% of respondents cited “increasing my earning potential” as a desired benefit of additional education.
The three most desirable attributes in a potential college were , in order: affordability, flexible schedule/work-life balance, and a high-quality, easy-to-use online platform.
Of course, there are very basic and simple “money and common sense” factors at play, as evidenced by income potential and affordability responses.
Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to guide and assist prospective students on this journey.
Interest in higher education is increasing rapidly
interest
During a recent “ New Wave of Students ” event , Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson country b2b b2c email list unveiled for the first time new market research conducted by SimpsonScarborough and LinkedIn on potential adult learners in today’s climate.
The report includes some eye-opening insights. Here are some key points:
Nearly 1 in 2 adult learners said their interest in pursuing additional education has increased since the arrival of COVID-19.
2 in 3 respondents are in an active consideration phase, and 1 in 2 plans to sign up within six months. (Among LinkedIn members, these numbers rise to 77% and 64%.)
8 in 10 adult learners are interested in pursuing an online education. (85% of LinkedIn members compared to 73% of non-members).
The bottom line, according to Elizabeth: Adult learners are moving quickly, interested in online degree and non-degree programs. Additionally, they want affordable, highly flexible and usable options that increase their earning potential.
It's a new world, though. Many of these people are exploring higher education options for the first time, and even those who are familiar with the landscape may be less knowledgeable about online programs. Not to mention smaller-scale opportunities like bootcamps.
Institutions must find these students to attract them with a message that connects with their needs and dreams.
What is the new wave of students looking for?
objectives2
Everyone has their own goals, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing adult education. The best marketers and institutions know how to connect with these motivations through personalized content.
But from a broader strategic level, it is useful to understand general trends. Here, market research offers some revealing findings:
Interest is high across all program offerings: taking courses for credit, earning certificates for credit, starting master's/professional/doctoral programs, taking a non-credit course, starting an associate degree program, etc.
55% of respondents cited “increasing my earning potential” as a desired benefit of additional education.
The three most desirable attributes in a potential college were , in order: affordability, flexible schedule/work-life balance, and a high-quality, easy-to-use online platform.
Of course, there are very basic and simple “money and common sense” factors at play, as evidenced by income potential and affordability responses.