As we are nearing the end of 2021, it’s time to re-strategize your enrolment goals and marketing plans for 2022.

To execute your plans seamlessly and achieve success, having a better understanding of the current trends in higher education is quintessential for you to make informed decisions.

Understanding the top trends in higher education

It is the right time to investigate the current technology & trends in higher education for 2022. In the past few years, colleges and universities were facing a decrease in below-par enrolments, declining state support, the growing popularity of digital classrooms, and the ubiquitous social media.

The future is already here; it’s just not evenly distributed – said William Gibson.

Here are the top 5 higher education trends that you shouldn’t miss out on if you haven’t come across them already.

1. Shift the focus to ‘student experience.’

For a long time, educational institutions have been focusing on building infrastructure, comprehensive courses, curriculum, and placements. While these factors continue to play a significant role, there is another factor that has emerged as crucial – ‘great student experience.’

As the student population is becoming more diverse, colleges and universities should continue to focus on high-quality student experience, engage and serve them well both academically and administratively, for them to achieve success.

2. Increase in international and non-traditional students.

Over a decade or so, there is a substantial increase in the number of students that are above 25 years of age and are parents or student veterans. The trend is expected to grow two folds in the foreseeable future. So, you might have to redefine your strategy to accommodate non-traditional students.

Right from learning methods, financial options, and service needs, you need to redefine everything according to their preferences.

3. Changing marketing trends in higher education

The approach, medium, and content of your marketing communications should be suitable for different student groups. Because of the increase in international students and non-traditional students, the brochures, pamphlets, blogs, and all forms of communication should be hyper-customized based on each student’s persona as per their unique needs and preferences.

Social media has swiftly emerged as one of the best platforms to connect with diverse interest groups and with prospective students in a personalized way

4. Changing preference in the modes of learning

Students expect a more interactive experience along with conventional methods of teaching. From flexible timings, mobile service desks, online communities, digital classrooms, to study materials and course details that are accessible online, student expectations have changed indeed.

As discussed earlier, the increase in non-traditional students also contributes to these varied preferences and needs.  Understanding what prospective students are looking for, and addressing their needs, will help you in attracting them to your university.

5. The future of higher education

The value of a college education itself has become questionable because of the gap between the opportunities promised and reality. The future trends in higher education are going to be quite challenging.

Lack of job opportunities even after successfully earning a professional degree has made students rethink the benefits of higher education. While this perception is spreading, colleges and universities are striving to demonstrate value by investing their efforts in understanding student expectations, needs, and preferences to provide a positive student experience.

In short, colleges and universities have to provide greater flexibility, strive to engage a student much like a customer, be very responsive to student needs, customize communication and actions for each student persona, rethink the learning process, and embrace mobile technologies to cater to the increasing diversity in the student population.

Want to know how e2s can help improve student engagement?