The Pulse of Higher Ed

Perspectives on Online and Professional Education
from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

A 2021 Outlook for Professional, Continuing and Online Education

At the turn of the Millennium, institutions of higher education placed all of their chips on red by modernizing dorms, integrating technology into the classroom, digitizing their libraries, building out campus WiFi, and adding amenities such as state-of-the-art fitness centers and progressive dining halls. Many built dorms with greater perks and luxuries. Once the competition for the campus-based student waned, the focus shifted to the online learner and continues today. To offset financial shortfalls, many institutions rushed to launch professional master’s degrees, either developing their own competencies or embarking on relationships with Online Program Management (OPM) companies. As demand for online degrees outpaced program supply, this became a winning situation for the higher education industry, for both educational institutions and corporate providers.

 

Along came the pandemic and online education is in even greater demand, but it has the potential to replace enrollments in other educational streams and pathways, such as the displaced campus student. Institutions invested further in online learning and are starting to normalize some of their operations, but the size of the educational pie did not increase while the number of institutions offering online degrees did. Some have argued that, in addition to unfavorable demographics, with a weakened economy there will be a weakened market for degrees. The pandemic will continue to reshape higher education by making the stackable or alternative credential more viable and palatable as business and industry, as well as consumers, look to these as options and solutions in an evolving automated economy.

 

The need for reskilling and upskilling has become more obvious as a result of the pandemic and will gradually fuel the stackable or alternative credential market in the short-run. High performing remote workers will be in great demand and will be poached from their existing jobs by companies willing to pay for talent without having to recruit in local markets or pay for moving expenses. Coupled with the behavioral demographics of Millennials and Generation Z employees, retaining remote worker talent will become a greater challenge for many companies and organizations. Employee retention and the continued evolution and acceleration of the “gig economy” will be factors that business and industry will face as we move deeper into 2021. Providing education and training opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, could be one solution, as it mutually benefits both parties, and it also sends a message that the company cares and is interested in the employee’s future. Offering training and education opportunities to high performing employees is also an internal marketing benefit, as employees place a value on corporate commitment, something that Millennials and Generation Z workers are used to and can resonate with.

 

Yes, the world will be different post-pandemic. Everyday life has changed as a result and higher education is expected to be different. The perception that it is the same, but just online, is not enough. Learn more about my 2021 outlook here.

Learn more about UPCEA's expert consultants

Do you need help with your PCO unit or campus? We can help. Contact UPCEA Research and Consulting for a brief consult. Email [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

Trusted by the nation's top colleges and universities, UPCEA Research and Consulting provides the best value in the industry today. UPCEA's industry experts have years of experience in Online and Professional Continuing education - put them to work for you!

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.

Learn more about UPCEA Research & Consulting


The UPCEA Difference

Unmatched Experience: For more than 100 years, UPCEA consultants have exclusively served the needs of online and professional continuing education programs. UPCEA consultants leverage their extensive industry expertise to expedite solutions, anticipate upcoming shifts, and offer distinct best practices, effectively aiding clients in achieving their goals.

Cost Effectiveness: As a nonprofit, member-serving organization, we provide unmatched value, allowing you to maximize limited research and consulting budgets.

Action in Motion: Our cadre of experienced, skilled authorities and expert practitioners propels you forward, translating research and consulting into impactful implementation, a distinctive hallmark of UPCEA. Our team of current and former institutional leaders will support you, turning research and consulting into action.

Mission Alignment: Like you, our mission is to enhance and expand educational opportunities and outcomes for adult and other non-traditional learners. We share your values and work in partnership with you to advance access and excellence in education.

Other UPCEA Updates + Blogs

Results of Global Lifelong Learning Study Released

UPCEA supported the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL)’s comprehensive global study. WASHINGTON (June 18, 2025) – UPCEA, the online and professional education association, today announced the release of an international study, “Making lifelong learning central to university strategy,” conducted by the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) and CarringtonCrisp.  UPCEA (alongside EUCEN) is proud…

Read More

New Book Offers Strategic Blueprint for the Decade of the Chief Online Learning Officer

UPCEA and Routledge Publish Landmark Guide to Elevating Online Education Leadership WASHINGTON (June 17, 2025) – UPCEA, the online and professional education association, proudly announces the release of The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education (co-published with Routledge). This essential new volume, co-edited by two of the…

Read More

Navigating Political Headwinds: Online and Professional Continuing Education Units Support of International Enrollment Efforts

Colleges and universities committed to high-quality teaching and research are navigating a growing set of challenges in attracting and supporting international students. The presence of international students on our U.S. campuses enriches the academic environment, fosters global perspectives, and enhances the cultural competency of the campus communities. These learners often pursue STEM disciplines, contributing significantly…

Read More

Celebrating the life of Dr. Pamela Wimbush

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the passing of one of our own. Dr. Pamela Wimbush, a friend, mentor, colleague, and member of the UPCEA’s Board of Directors passed away Tuesday. She will be missed, most acutely by her family and the dear friends she has all over the…

Read More

International-Student Crackdown Escalates; UPCEA Joins Opposition to Broad Changes | Policy Matters (May 2025)

Major Updates International-Student Crackdown Escalates | UPCEA Joins Opposition to Broad Changes After weeks of public sparring, the Department of Homeland Security formally revoked Harvard’s authority to host F-1 and J-1 students on May 22, citing non-compliance with new federal demands around campus protests and DEI programs. More than 6,800 students, about a quarter of Harvard’s…

Read More

Why Credential Terminology Matters in Higher Education and Workforce Development

In the fast-evolving landscape of higher education and workforce alignment, non-degree credentials are surging in popularity. This trend is largely a result of baccalaureate degrees that are not adapting quickly to address more immediate market needs, coupled with a skepticism about the value of the degree. In place of bachelor’s degrees, students are seeking more…

Read More

The Nation's Top Universities Choose UPCEA Research and Consulting

Informed decisions. Ideas that work. The data you need. Trusted by the top universities in the nation.