The survey piles on recent data illustrating the sustained professional benefits of possessing a degree and the current faults with alternative credentials. With upper-level credentials showing promise despite turbulent enrollment figures, here are some insights institutions should be aware of when considering the student perspective.

What is top-of-mind for prospective graduate students?

The report found that 56% of respondents are concerned with the return on investment of their program as the most crucial decision driver. Here is a breakdown of the 10 most significant factors weighing students’ minds.

Return on investment
Professional connections
Cost
Institutional reputation
In-person class format
Flexibility in course format
Employer reimbursement for tuition
Online class format

Aside from the wage bump graduate students can expect upon receiving their credentials, evidence suggests students are using these programs as a gateway to enter specialized industries they’re currently blocked out of. Only 37% of respondents interested in pursuing a graduate degree said they worked in their preferred sector. Furthermore, the fully online class format seems to be a non-starter for students, considering over 90% prefer in-person or hybrid modalities only.

Instant Insights /

Demand for grad school isn’t going anywhere. How can you reel students into your programs?

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