The Pulse of Higher Ed

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

Navigating the Wonderland of Higher Education: The Importance of Transparent Pathways

Photo of a person (Emily West) smiling at the camera

By Emily West

In the classic Disney movie Alice in Wonderland, one scene captivated me as a child: Alice, lost and bewildered in Tulgey Wood, desperately seeking direction amid nonsensical arrows and signposts. It is here that she first encounters the Cheshire Cat who, in his feeble attempt to provide guidance, leaves her even more confused than before. 

Entering the world of higher education can often feel like tumbling into Wonderland. Imagine a learner clicking through an institution’s website and struggling to figure out which path to take on their academic journey. They may stumble across unfamiliar terms like non-degree credential, stackable certificate, or credit for prior learning. Moreover, they may have difficulty finding and deciphering exactly what their options are and how they fit together. Often, the challenge is not a lack of pathways to choose from, but a lack of clear pathways to completion, further education, and/or employment. The task for higher education institutions is as simple as it is critical: Make academic pathways transparent from the first click. 

Not only is it important for the learner to have easy access to this information, but schools also reap the benefits of accessibility. EducationDynamic’s annual Online College Student Report, released in February 2024, reveals that accessibility to relevant information on a college’s website is a contributing factor for enrollment decisions. When considering enrollment in online programs, respondents weighed various factors, with a significant portion relating to pathways:  the availability of online programs (38%), program offerings that match their career goals (33%), and the length of time to complete their studies (32%). Notably, 23% of respondents said that ease of access to information on the institution’s website was important to them.  

Additionally, UPCEA and StraighterLine’s October 2023 report Disengaged Learners & Return Paths to Higher Education tells us that learners desire added layers of value in an educational program. Interest in enrolling in an undergraduate degree is heavily influenced by factors such as credit for prior learning (CPL), microcredentials, and stackability within degree completion programs. This data serves as compelling evidence of the impact of pathway transparency on program landing pages. 

 

Why Pathway Transparency Matters: 

Empowering Informed Decision-Making: Transparent pathways empower learners to make informed decisions about their academic journey. Clear information on program landing pages about course sequences and credit requirements help learners visualize the path they need to take, reducing the risk of wrong turns. Beyond that basic information, learners also want to know what other factors may shape their journey to completion. UPCEA and StraighterLine’s research reveals that stackable microcredentials have a profound effect on the decision to enroll in a degree program. Over three-quarters (76%) of respondents in that study said microcredentials that stack toward larger credentials would greatly increase (32%) or increase (44%) their interest in pursuing an undergraduate degree, further reinforcing why clear pathways matter. 

Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Navigating the maze of higher education can be stressful for learners. Transparent pathways alleviate anxiety by providing a clear roadmap, allowing learners to focus on their studies rather than getting lost in the woods. Without the need for extensive searching and deciphering, learners can allocate their time wisely, ensuring a smoother path from enrollment to program completion. 

Enhancing Retention and Reenrollment: Transparent information cultivates a sense of confidence and commitment among learners. When learners have a clear understanding of their academic journey, they are more likely to successfully complete their program. EducationDynamic’s report sheds light on a compelling statistic: Approximately 80% of respondents enrolled in certificate or license study programs expressed intentions to pursue further credentials or a degree in the same or related field of study. However, 31% of respondents were unsure whether their credential could be applied to future degree programs. This underscores the importance of institutions’ clearly communicating the stackable credentials they offer and how they integrate into other pathways at the institution. 

Connecting Pathways to Job Outcomes: The significance of transparency extends beyond academic pathways; it involves showing the link between education and career outcomes. Understanding that connection enables learners to tailor their studies to meet industry demands, acquire relevant skills, and ultimately boost their employability. The majority of respondents to EducationDynamics’s study had a career-focused motivation for pursuing their online education. Notably, 26% indicated that knowing a program aligned with their career goals would sway their enrollment decisions toward one school over another. As the job market evolves, learners increasingly value the workforce skills and specialized knowledge offered by microcredentials. A January 2024 report released by UPCEA and Collegis Education, The Effect of Employer Understanding and Engagement on Non-Degree Credentials, highlights heightened employer demand and the growing significance of microcredentials in today’s workforce.  This makes it more important than ever for learners to be informed about the educational pathways available to them, and how they align to their career goals. 

It is time for colleges and universities to take inspiration from Alice’s adventures and strive for transparency. By providing clear and well-marked pathways on program landing pages, institutions can empower learners to make informed choices, reduce stress, and undoubtedly influence their enrollment decisions.  

No Cheshire Cat required. 

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

New report from UPCEA – 2024 Staffing & Structure Survey Results

Amid growing demand for flexible and career-oriented education, online and Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) units are at the forefront of institutional innovation and revenue sustainability. Whether through degree programs, microcredentials, corporate training, or other non-credit offerings, these units play a critical role in expanding access to education and meeting the evolving needs of learners…

Read More

Which OPM Contract Terms Should Concern Campus Leaders and Why?

UPCEA is pleased to announce the release of a new brief, “Which OPM Contract Terms Should Concern Campus Leaders and Why?,” authored by Jeffrey C. Sun, J.D., Ph.D. and Heather A. Turner, Ph.D., and published jointly by the University of Louisville SKILLS Collaborative, Education Law Association, and UPCEA. When deciding whether to partner with an…

Read More

The Online Overhaul (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

“[…] The pressures to embrace online education aren’t equal across institutions, though. Those needing to retain or bulk up enrollment and those serving diverse, high-needs populations — community colleges and regional comprehensives, for example — are likely feeling more urgency to adapt, sources say. (Nearly 42 percent of the online-related jobs posted by public two-year colleges in…

Read More

UPCEA Co-Signs Letter with ACE in Response to Department of Ed’s DCL | Policy Matters (February 2025)

UPCEA Co-Signs Letter with ACE and Other Organizations in Response to Department of Education’s Feb. 14, 2025 Dear Colleague Letter (American Council on Education) “The stated purpose of the DCL is to “provide clarity to the public regarding existing legal requirements” for colleges and universities under the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair…

Read More

Anticipating the Fall of 2025

In January 2025, the president issued an executive order freezing federal loans and grants, including Pell Grants and other student loans. While the order has since been rescinded, the damage was done. Moving forward, potential students will be wary about the frailty of college loans. There will be uncertainty as to whether college is affordable…

Read More

UPCEA 2024 Research: Unlocking Insights, Solving Higher Ed’s Biggest Challenges

The state of higher education in the U.S. is tumultuous with no clear and obvious pathway to success.  College and university leaders have never experienced what is currently going on regarding higher education, the economy, and the political landscape.  However, information can guide us, just as it did for UPCEA members coming out of the…

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.