The state of higher education

The state of higher education is an annual report that analyzes the most significant developments in nonprofit higher education and provides insights into developing trends. Geared toward university board members, trustees and other senior-level staff, the report offers actionable ideas and best practices for effective management.

About the 2013 report
From high-profile scandals to the emergence of massive open online courses to potential federal program cuts, the nonprofit higher education industry witnessed many tumultuous events in 2012. Our latest report explains the key trends and arms you with best practices that you can take back to the board room.

Browse report articles or download the PDF version of the full report.

• Fiscal cliff deal sends mixed messages to nonprofit higher education – A point-by-point review of the tax deal provisions that are likely to affect higher education. The full version will include practical ways to make the most out of the new legislation.
• 2012 in review: U.S. higher education on the verge of radical change – Rising tuition, diminishing state support, massive student debt and emerging online curricula — just a few of the issues that set the media abuzz last year. Get the full picture plus five emerging trends.
• For-profit higher education setbacks may transform nonprofit learning – See what valuable lessons nonprofit higher education can learn from the for-profit industry’s recent troubles.
• 7 ways to nurture graduate outcomes at your university – A culture focused on graduate outcomes involves instilling a sense of institution-wide responsibility for students’ and alumni’s success in the marketplace. Learn how you can nurture achievements.
• The role of governance in fixing the higher education business model ‒ A robust, highly integrated governance model can improve your institution’s business model. Learn how plus get nine governance best practices.
• Tax implications for U.S. nonprofit higher education institutions with global reach ‒ Many U.S. nonprofit higher education institutions have gone global, from recruiting foreign students and scholars to opening research centers and campuses overseas. See what are the tax implications of an international presence.
• Research universities: Opportunities and challenges in times of reduced federal funding ‒ Learn how federal research funding is currently allocated to U.S. public universities and see what it takes to stay at the top of the research pyramid.
• 3 strategies for a sustainable nonprofit higher education business model ‒ The status quo is in question. See how three mid- to long-term strategies may tip the current business model toward sustainability.
• How to create an effective higher education shared services program ‒ Whether your institution is focused on cost reduction or service enhancement, learn how you can design and implement a successful shared services plan in 10 steps.
• How enterprise risk management can help higher education thrive ‒ An effective ERM program keeps your institution focused on strategic objectives, actively engages the leadership and enhances the board’s oversight of risk management. See how ERM can transform the industry.
• Key skills and expanded roles for higher education presidents ‒ Twenty years ago, presidents tended to focus primarily on fundraising and faculty relations. Today, experience in business management and strategic planning is a must. See what are the essential skills of a successful president.