UPCEA Research & Consulting

Top Colleges & Universities Consult with UPCEA

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Trusted by the nation's top colleges and universities, UPCEA Research and Consulting provides the best value in educational research and the higher education industry today. UPCEA's industry experts have years of experience in online and professional continuing education - put them to work for you!

As a leading education research organization, UPCEA Research and Consulting offers a variety of custom research and consulting options through an outcomes-focused pricing model. Find the option(s) that best suit your institution.

UPCEA Custom Consulting

UPCEA Custom Consulting

Does your institution need guidance on organizational structure, portfolio strategy, or other pressing issues? UPCEA can draw upon an unparalleled bench of higher education leaders to offer research and consulting services that deliver clear direction and insight for your unique situation.

UPCEA Custom Consulting

Get an objective analysis of your structure, processes, programs or markets by the experts. UPCEA consulting offers your institution the opportunity to explore your unique needs and develop recommendations specific to you. UPCEA’s expertise, which includes a team of Strategic Advisors (as well as staff) with extensive experience in higher education, provides unparalleled insights into online and professional continuing education enterprises.

Specific topics for UPCEA Consulting have included:

  • Online and continuing education organizational structure and strategy
  • Evaluation of program mix (credit and noncredit) and viability of current programming structure
  • Program assessment and development strategies
  • Strategic planning and goal-setting
  • Integration with university units, profit sharing
  • Business models
  • Marketing and enrollment management strategy
  • Data Analysis and enrollment funnel modeling

Strategic Advisors chosen for your project are UPCEA members who specialize in operational strategy for online and professional continuing education, and who will customize your experience based on your needs. Teams selected for each project are the professionals we believe are the best match for you in the areas to be assessed.

UPCEA Custom Consulting Icon Pricing: Varies by project scope and size.
Typical time to completion: Varies by project scope and size.

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

University of Toledo

“With the experienced UPCEA team, we were able to develop a three tier plan to create and support online growth. In one year, we were able to win over senior leadership, centralize and rebrand a more comprehensive online unit with additional staff, launch a new website and marketing plan, and grow new enrollments in fully online programs by more than 104% over projections for the first year.”

- Barbara Kopp-Miller
Vice Provost for UToledo Online and Workforce Development

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

“Without hesitation, I turn to the UPCEA team for consultations. The custom program assessment services and trend data are a true benefit of my UPCEA membership.”

- Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost, Distance Education and Extended Learning

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Portfolio Decision-Making Model (PDMM)

Portfolio Decision-Making Model (PDMM)

Have you assessed your portfolio programs for the new economy? Are they in line with market research and employer/consumer demand? Perhaps you have legacy programs that may no longer be relevant. Make sure your programs are strong for the future and meet the needs of the changing marketplace.

Portfolio Decision-Making Model (PDMM)

The Portfolio Decision-Making Model (PDMM) is designed to help institutions make more informed decisions about their existing portfolio of offerings. By identifying high-potential programs and addressing low-contributing or low-mission offerings, the PDMM enables strategic resource allocation and informed decision-making.

The PDMM can be used for credit or non-credit offerings and adapted to focus on online offerings by restricting the competitive set or focusing on institutional strengths that can be conveyed to an online environment. Add-ons, such as tuition benchmarking, can also be included for a fee.


Objectives and Features

  • Assess major portfolio groupings to determine whether the markets or industries they primarily serve are growing, static, or in decline.
  • Provide the institution with insight toward occupational growth (or decline) in these markets as well as measure the impact of competition.
  • Use weighting factors for internal and external factors of the model to help identify offerings poised for growth and to create resource priorities.
Portfolio Decision-Making Model Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: 4-6 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

“We work with UPCEA every other year to assist us in making data-informed decisions regarding possible new programs to develop and add to our current portfolio of programs. This work has proven invaluable in ensuring year-over-year growth in programs and associated enrollments and revenue. Since we have engaged the support of UPCEA Research and Consulting, we have consistently realized growth in our programs.”

- Past PDMM Client

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UPCEA Expert Speakers

UPCEA Expert Speakers

Need an expert speaker in the field of online and professional continuing education? UPCEA experts are available to speak about current trends in higher education, benchmarking research, sharing key insights on emerging opportunities, and building awareness on your campus.

UPCEA Expert Speakers

 

Need an expert speaker in the field of online and professional continuing education? UPCEA experts are available to speak about current trends in higher education, benchmarking research, sharing key insights on emerging opportunities, and building awareness on your campus. 

Trusted by the nation's top colleges and universities, UPCEA's industry experts have years of experience in online and professional continuing education. Recent speaking events include webinars, keynotes, conference presentations, and participation in a community building event on a member campus.

Our Experts Can Become Your Experts 

Our experts can help address topics focused on: 

  • Current state of higher education and the adult learner market
  • AI policy and strategy for your campus
  • Organizational strategy 
  • Online and professional continuing education trends
  • Marketing and recruitment strategy and trends
  • Online strategy and operations, and more.
 
Strategic Advisors chosen for your project are UPCEA members who specialize in operational strategy for online and professional continuing education, and who will customize your experience based on your needs. Teams selected for each project are the professionals we believe are the best match for you in the areas to be assessed. Pricing generally starting at $2,000 for a virtual event with flexibility based on your unique needs. Please contact us to discuss.

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

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Occupational Opportunity Model (OOM)

Occupational Opportunity Model (OOM)

What are the occupational trends in your market area? Is your portfolio competitive enough? Are you aware of what market needs are not being met in your region? Explore the best opportunities for your institution using our educational research to expand and grow your programs.

Occupational Opportunity Model (OOM)

The Occupational Opportunity Model (OOM) is designed to help institutions better understand their desired marketplace and ensure that their current portfolio offerings are meeting the needs of the marketplace. This is a quantitative approach to help institutions identify potential future program offerings.
The OOM provides a way to rank order occupational priorities based on your institution’s ability to develop programs.


Objectives and Features

  • UPCEA developed the OOM to provide tangible data that can be used to aid in new program development. This model begins with occupational trends as its main input, as opposed to a programmatic focus used in the UPCEA Portfolio Decision-Making Model (PDMM).
  • To ensure the institution’s system is aligned with the marketplace, the top 200 occupations in the Private Research University primary region that had at least an entry-level education of an associate degree were selected for this model. This resulted with the OOM scoring and ranking these occupations.
  • The model uses current and projected occupational and educational statistics and then creates a score by comparing the statistical values. Occupations with higher scores represent a stronger potential market for an educational offering.
Occupational Opportunity Model Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: 4-6 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

“Without hesitation, I turn to the UPCEA team for consultations. The custom program assessment services and trend data are a true benefit of my UPCEA membership.”

- Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost, Distance Education and Extended Learning

 
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Online Asset Assessment (OAA)

Online Asset Assessment (OAA)

The online environment is now the front door to an institution, so it is imperative that online and professional continuing education units have an established online presence. The OAA can help to better understand and accurately measure the presence and quality of online assets. It can identify weaknesses in websites and social media accounts to allow for improvements, ensuring optimal visibility within the education space.

Online Asset Assessment (OAA)

The OAA examines 7 website-specific variables to better understand an institution’s online performance. These were chosen as they account for the user’s experience on the platform. The OAA examines 5 social media-specific variables to better understand an institution’s online performance. These were chosen as they account for the user’s experience on their active platforms. Scores are then normalized to a scale of 100%. This analysis enables PCO units to benchmark themselves against peers, leveraging insights from over 70 OAAs conducted by UPCEA.
 
 
Online Asset Assessment Icon Pricing: Starts at $2,500
Typical time to completion: 2-3 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

“Without hesitation, I turn to the UPCEA team for consultations. The custom program assessment services and trend data are a true benefit of my UPCEA membership.”

- Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost, Distance Education and Extended Learning

 
Learn More
Feasibility Analysis

Feasibility Analysis

Do you need to determine the long-term feasibility of a new or existing program? A feasibility analysis goes beyond a surface-level review of labor and competitive data and provides market research based on real-world perspectives from employers, potential students, inquirers, or alumni to enrich data and better inform decision making.

Feasibility Analysis

A feasibility analysis is a comprehensive report that synthesizes secondary and primary research to provide actionable insights. Primary research elements could include but are not limited to surveys of inquirers, current students, alumni, or potential students, interviews with relevant opinion leaders (i.e., employers, etc.), estimated market sizes, and enrollment process reviews, among other initiatives.
 

This type of report is ideal for clients who are considering a new program, evaluating the performance of an existing one, or seeking a comprehensive understanding of a specific market. The estimated base cost is dependent upon the number and type of primary research elements included in the analysis.

 
 
Feasibility Analysis Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: 4-6 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

Milwaukee School of Engineering University

“The research staff at UPCEA represent the most competent and knowledgeable I have ever experienced or had the pleasure to work. They are gifted in the areas of research design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation. Their rich experience in the adult and professional education space proves invaluable in the process and in our success.”

- George Kroeninger, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Professional Education

Recent Feasibility Analysis

UPCEA Research & Consulting recently completed a feasibility analysis for a member seeking to develop a new master’s degree in an emerging field. To aid program development, UPCEA spoke with employers to better understand their perspective of the potential program to help shape curriculum and marketing messaging, and ensure alignment with labor and industry. Another member approached UPCEA about reviewing an existing program that was struggling to meet enrollment targets. The feasibility analysis identified that the program cost was twice that of the average competitor and undergraduate alumni, an essential pipeline of students for this program, were unaware of the offering. By engaging with students and alumni of the undergraduate program, and reducing cost, the institution was able to attract a larger audience.

 

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Estimated Market Size Analysis

Estimated Market Size Analysis

Do you need to determine the viability of new or existing programs based on enrollment potential? Has your institution set realistic (and achievable) enrollment goals? UPCEA’s market research tools can leverage data and demographics to isolate and identify estimated market sizes.

Environmental Scan

The estimated market size analysis produces estimates on potential market size. While the analysis can be completed without primary research, it is dramatically improved if UPCEA can conduct an element of research. Pricing would depend on the number of programs and markets of interest, as well as the inclusion or exclusion of a primary research element. 
 
 
Environmental Scan Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: 2-4 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

Northwestern University

“UPCEA Research and Consulting has been a go-to for my school for much of the past decade. Jim Fong and his team have provided us invaluable competitive impact analysis and have been a great partner in helping us envision possible markets, marketing strategies and the feasibility of new and successful programs.”

- Thomas F. Gibbons, J.D.
Dean, School of Professional Studies

 
Learn More
Occupational Mapping Analysis (OMA)

Occupational Mapping Analysis (OMA)

Higher education in the future will change. Our economy has changed, and the learner has changed, along with the business challenges facing higher education. What can your college or university do to prepare? Are you meeting the needs of professionals throughout the entirety of their career trajectory?

Occupational Mapping Analysis (OMA)

Are you preparing your portfolio for the modern learner through a stackable approach? Based on your existing programs, are there smaller and more stackable elements that would serve as an on-ramp to degrees or are there standalone credential opportunities? With the degree being a high-cost credential, can the same be achieved but with more affordable and immediate stackable certificates? Is there precedent and demand for these credentials?
 
UPCEA’s occupational mapping analysis (OMA) focuses on preparing portfolios for the modern learner through a stackable approach. By identifying smaller, more stackable elements within existing programs, institutions can create on-ramps to degrees or standalone credential opportunities. 
 
The OMA takes a holistic perspective to understanding the potential learning opportunities that a professional might pursue in their lifetime. For example, UPCEA can examine accountants and look at all the potential credentials that can plug into the career path of an accountant from non-credit offerings to a terminal degree. The OMA emphasizes a stackable approach to programming to provide students with multiple on and off ramps to an institution's programming.
 
Occupational Mapping Analysis Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: 3-5 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

 

Saint Mary's University

“The UPCEA consulting reports have aided Saint Mary's University in understanding the current state of operations and informed our future strategies and tactics based on thoughtful analysis and best practices.” Learn more.

- Andrea Carroll-Glover
Vice Provost

 
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Environmental Scan

Environmental Scan

Are you in the early stages of program development and looking for research and consulting support? Do you need a snapshot of the competitive and forecasted labor markets to determine potential program viability? Environmental scanning is ideal for gaining baseline information about a program or is in the early stages of program development.

Estimated Market Size Analysis

Environmental scanning is a cost-efficient and insightful exploratory research method regarding program assessment, design, and delivery – an internal stakeholder engagement and planning adaptation enabler.

Environmental scanning does not include any primary research element (i.e., an element in which UPCEA is conducting research, rather than pulling information from secondary sources). This method is ideal for institutions seeking baseline information about a program or those in the early stages of program development. It rarely provides a conclusive Go/No-Go decision. 

Download an example Environmental Scan here. 

 
Estimated Market Size Analysis Icon Pricing: Starts at $2,500
Typical time to completion: 4-6 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

Northwestern University

“UPCEA Research and Consulting has been a go-to for my school for much of the past decade. Jim Fong and his team have provided us invaluable competitive impact analysis and have been a great partner in helping us envision possible markets, marketing strategies and the feasibility of new and successful programs.”

- Thomas F. Gibbons, J.D.
Dean, School of Professional Studies

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Enrollment Process Review

Enrollment Process Review

How effective is your enrollment funnel? How does it compare to your peers? Do you know where you are converting or losing your leads and why? UPCEA’s strategic consulting team can help you engage your leads at the right time with the right information.

Enrollment Process Review

Let's say you’ve developed strong programs and have driven traffic to your websites. Have you mapped out your enrollment process and created outcomes and objectives at each critical stage? Are you engaging the inquirer at the right time with the right information? How well are your technology and human elements performing in the enrollment and inquiry process? We can help!
 
The enrollment review process provides an institution with an unbiased view of the top of their enrollment funnel. UPCEA will pose as inquirers for a given program or series of programs. UPCEA will track the percentage of inquiries that receive responses, the speed of those responses, and the quality of those responses. Results will be compared against UPCEA’s benchmarks. The scope of the project can be expanded to include competing institutions as well for a closer look at peer institutions UPCEA ultimately provides a deliverable that outlines secret shopping results, as well as identified issues, and potential solutions, within the enrollment funnel.
 
 
 
Enrollment Process Review Icon Pricing: Starts at $7,500
Typical time to completion: 4-6 Weeks

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

 

Saint Mary's University

“The UPCEA consulting reports have aided Saint Mary's University in understanding the current state of operations and informed our future strategies and tactics based on thoughtful analysis and best practices.” Learn more.

- Andrea Carroll-Glover
Vice Provost

 
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Custom Benchmarking

Custom Benchmarking

Online and professional education unit portfolios are just as diverse and unique as institutions themselves, yet they often share similar processes and operations. Lacking best practices in operational areas that rarely see the light of day, you may wonder how others are handling things like revenue sharing, hiring non-credit instructors, providing learner services, etc. UPCEA can help. 

Custom Benchmarking

Custom benchmarking provides institutions with answers to specific questions that can lead to process improvement and resource allocation. Get your questions answered by your peers that understand YOUR context.
 
Custom benchmarking efforts may coincide with UPCEA's monthly snap polls and can revolve around a specific data point, such as how adjunct faculty are paid (i.e., by course, by headcount, by credit hour, etc.) or a broader topic. UPCEA's membership is often leveraged in this research.
 
Custom Benchmarking Icon Pricing: Starts at $4,999
Typical time to completion: Varies by project scope and size

Need timely, actionable recommendations on issues facing your online and professional education unit?

Contact us today: [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

 

 

Northwestern University

“UPCEA  Research and Consulting has been a go-to for my school for much of the past decade. Jim Fong and his team have provided us invaluable competitive impact analysis and have been a great partner in helping us envision possible markets, marketing strategies and the feasibility of new and successful programs.”

- Thomas F. Gibbons, J.D.
Dean, School of Professional Studies

 
Learn More
Second Opinion—Free Consulting Service for Members!

Second Opinion—Free Consulting Service for Members!

Seeking timely, expert advice—or, a “second opinion?” Our lead consultants are available to provide brief, rapid responses for members who have questions about all aspects of online and professional continuing education programs and strategy. Whether you need insights on educational research, advisory services, or strategic consulting, members can request a thirty-minute phone consultation free of charge.

Second Opinion

UPCEA ensures a systematic approach to understanding, strategizing, and executing solutions that address each institution's unique challenges and drive meaningful outcomes. 

We invite you to work with us to help address your specific challenges. Your UPCEA membership entitles you to a complimentary “Second Opinion”, a free, 30-minute phone consultation with our lead consultants. 

 
Second Opinion "Compass" Icon Pricing: Free for UPCEA Members
Typical time to completion: 30 minutes

Ready to get started? Complete this form and we will be in touch soon! 

Or, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

Many of our clients have said UPCEA consulting has been a wise investment to help minimize the risks associated with new initiatives.

 
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Meet Our Experts
We know the business challenges you face and we have the solutions you need. UPCEA consultants are current or former online and professional continuing education professionals who are experts in the industry. In addition to our talented staff who have deep experience in the field, UPCEA consultants include leading deans and chief online learning officers in the field today. Learn more.

 

Pricing

Consulting engagements vary by project, scope, and duration, and are customized based on institutional needs. An UPCEA representative can discuss your needs and provide pricing and a scope of work for all consulting efforts.

 

Let's Get Started!

Ready to put UPCEA's expert consultants to work for you in your online initiatives? Just say the word and we'll hop on a call to discuss your needs, no obligations.

Call 202-659-3130 or email [email protected] to get started today. 

Access UPCEA Research and Consulting Flyers

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Explore our Research Blog The Pulse of Higher Ed and recent studies from UPCEA Research and Consulting

Stay up-to-date with the latest in online and professional continuing education research and benchmarking. UPCEA Research and Consulting helps you stay informed and at the forefront of the field though our research and benchmarking blog, The Pulse of Higher Ed The blog features data-driven posts on the latest trends, and the results of the studies conducted each year for the benefit of UPCEA members and others in higher ed.

Read "The Pulse of Higher Ed" for Perspectives on Online and Professional Education from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts.

Read the UPCEA 2023 research year in review blog, Migrating the Headwinds of Higher Education: How UPCEA-Partnered Research Helps Guide the Way, by Jim Fong, Chief Research Officer, UPCEA.

UPCEA Research & Consulting Clients' Experiences

George Kroeninger-modified

"The research staff at UPCEA represent the most competent and knowledgeable I have ever experienced or had the pleasure to work. They are gifted in the areas of research design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation. Their rich experience in the adult and professional education space proves invaluable in the process and in our success."

George Kroeninger, Executive Director of Professional Education

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Barbara-Kopp-Miller-modified

"With the experienced UPCEA team, we were able to develop a three tier plan to create and support online growth. In one year, we were able to win over senior leadership, centralize and rebrand a more comprehensive online unit with additional staff, launch a new website and marketing plan, and grow new enrollments in fully online programs by more than 104% over projections for the first year."

Barbara Kopp-Miller, Vice Provost for UToledo Online and Workforce Development

University of Toledo

Tonya Amankwatia_sq

"Without hesitation, I turn to the UPCEA team for consultations. The custom program assessment services and trend data are a true benefit of my UPCEA membership.”

Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Provost, Distance Education and Extended Learning

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Thomas F. Gibbons headshot

“UPCEA Research and Consulting has been a go-to for my school for much of the past decade. Jim Fong and his team have provided us invaluable competitive impact analysis and have been a great partner in helping us envision possible markets, marketing strategies and the feasibility of new and successful programs.”

Thomas F. Gibbons, J.D., Dean, School of Professional Studies

Northwestern University

Andrea Carroll-Glover

"The UPCEA consulting reports have aided Saint Mary's University in understanding the current state of operations and informed our future strategies and tactics based on thoughtful analysis and best practices.”

Read More

Andrea Carroll-Glover, Vice Provost

Saint Mary's University

Jill Pippin

"If your institution is looking for data to either back up its decision-making or help uncover opportunities in various programs, the research from UPCEA is invaluable.”

Read More

Jill Pippin, Dean, Division of Extended Learning

SUNY Oswego

Second Opinion—Free Consulting Service for Members!

Seeking timely, expert advice—or, a "second opinion?" Our lead consultants are available to provide brief, rapid responses for members who have questions about all aspects of online and professional continuing education programs and strategy. Members can request a thirty-minute phone consultation free of charge.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about UPCEA's focus areas:

Leadership in Online Learning

Professional & Continuing Education

Alternative Credentials

Marketing, Enrollment & Student Success