Blog

The latest research and insights from Gray DI

Resources for Community College Program Evaluation

As student needs and workforce demands evolve, community colleges are rethinking how they evaluate and invest in academic programs. Assessing market demand—across career and technical education (CTE) and transfer pathways—is key to aligning offerings with real-world opportunities. Discover the essential data needed to make informed decisions, from employment trends and student interest to competitive insight. Whether launching new programs or reassessing current ones, it’s all about making data-informed decisions that serve both students and communities.

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Gray Data

Trends in New College Program Announcements for March 2025

March 2025 brought a wave of new program announcements from colleges and universities — and with them, a clear view of where higher education is heading next. From healthcare and business to cybersecurity and technology, institutions are aligning new offerings with workforce needs while expanding access through online and flexible formats. Explore what these latest announcements reveal about shifting priorities, emerging trends, and the future direction of academic programs.

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Gray Insights

Diving Deep into the Blue Economy: Opportunities and Education

Beneath the ocean’s surface lies a vast, mysterious world teeming with life—and possibility. Despite covering most of our planet, the ocean remains largely uncharted, holding immense promise for economic growth, climate resilience, and scientific discovery. The blue economy is rapidly gaining momentum, blending long-standing industries like shipping and fisheries with bold new frontiers like marine biotech and ocean-powered energy. As it expands, so does the opportunity to lead its future through cutting-edge research, forward-thinking programs, and strategic vision.

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Gray Insights

Taking Control of Your Destiny: Why Margins Matter in Higher Education

Margins aren’t just a financial figure—they’re a strategic compass for navigating uncertainty. Discover how course-level cost and revenue analysis, contribution margins, and data-informed decision-making reveal the true financial impact of academic programs. With insights on why small programs often generate positive margins and why course cuts are often smarter than program cuts, this piece offers a clear, actionable framework for stronger financial decisions.

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Gray Insights

The AI Revolution in Healthcare: Emerging Educational Opportunities

Artificial intelligence is making bold strides in healthcare, opening doors to faster treatments, smarter diagnostics, and entirely new approaches to care. As the field evolves, so do the educational pathways preparing tomorrow’s professionals. Discover the key areas driving this transformation—and the programs beginning to rise in response.

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Gray Insights

Biomimicry: Learning from Nature’s Genius

What if nature held the blueprint for our next big innovation? Biomimicry—a practice rooted in learning from the strategies and designs found in the natural world—offers a fresh perspective on solving complex challenges. Discover how this nature-inspired approach is influencing everything from cutting-edge technology to emerging academic programs, and what it could mean for the future of innovation and education.

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Gray Data

Business Analytics Master’s: Boom or Bust?

Should you launch, grow, or rethink your Business Analytics master’s program? Recent data reveals surging student demand, strong career outcomes, and signs of sustained growth. But there’s a catch: regional market saturation could limit your success if not carefully assessed. Discover how national trends, employment metrics, and competitive intensity intersect—and what your institution can do to stand out in this fast-growing, high-stakes program space.

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