Over time, what type of new institutional revenue amounts can my institution achieve? What is my Value Proposition?

Given our market experience, Education Strategy is able to develop very accurate Performa financial models on how your institution can benefit with its specific variables. In most instances we see revenue over expenses, after a five-year period, of greater than one million dollars and often as high as three to five million.

We don’t have budget line dollars to invest right now—should I keep reading?

While program costs and consulting can seem prohibitive, it is payable from new tuition revenue generated by the program. All of our consulting expenses and curriculum delivery are developed at our cost. The financial risk to your institution is minimal. There are minimal printing/advertising costs, and a director must be in place to start the program. However, because we allow payments to us to be deferred until tuition revenue begins the program can be initiated without significant impact on existing budgets. Our programs are “revenue positive." We provide you with the resources to tap into a new source of revenue for your school, and since we defer payments on the new program until you are operational, you are cash-flowing the project from the outset—with revenue to spare.

When is the best time to begin and how long does it take to become operational?

New program starts are most successful when they begin from mid-August through mid-October of each year. They can also be successful when started in early February through the of April. In order to get your program fully operational, plan on a start-up phase of three months. However, when called upon, we can help you start your program in 60 days or less. Basically, if you want new program revenue for the fall, you need to engage us in a contract by the previous spring. If you want program revenue for the winter, we need to be engaged in the fall.

Will we need an institutional self-study to begin this type of programming?

In most cases, we are able to align the new curriculum to already existing courses at your institution. This translates into a new method of delivery to a new target population, not a substantive change. We have been successful with each accrediting agency in collaborating without a self-study requirement when they are approached correctly.

We expect some significant faculty push-back on an initiative like this one. Can Education Strategy assist?

We are often called upon to make an on-campus faculty presentation, outlining the innovative methodologies for delivery to this target population. This presentation has been so successful that it not only converts questions into answers, but also makes key supporters out of existing faculty. It is the same presentation that we have made upon request at accrediting agencies’ national conferences.

What’s in this curriculum and approach that cannot be done by my own faculty? Basically, why should we engage you?

The concept of a “revenue-positive” program is central to working with an external organization such as Education Strategy. The curriculum is complete and ready to go in a “Training Manual” format with clear objectives, outcomes, and actions listed step by step for each week. Your institution can be up and running in less than three months time. This translates into revenue immediately. The same type of program when designed by internal faculty often takes up to two years or more to complete, during which time no revenue is generated and the market can be captured by another school in your area. Doing the math here is important.
A) Capture the market and have immediate revenue
or
B) Wait on your faculty to create an untested beta version and perhaps lose the market in the meantime.

Why should my institution offer blended-online degree programs for working adults?

The adult learner market is one that is competitive, but often not efficient. Colleges and universities that do not offer blended-online adult education programs are missing out on a key source of revenue and goodwill with the community. Such programs foster relationships with corporate sponsors, community colleges, and the adult community as a whole—while extending the mission of the institution.

Who enrolls in blended-online adult education?

Adults seeking enrollment in this type of programming are self-motivated individuals who are looking to advance within their professions. The average age of an adult learner within an Education Strategy program is 37. A study by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors asserts that participation in adult education is steadily increasing. By 2010, it is expected that 51% of total post-secondary enrollments in higher education institutions will be comprised of returning adults. Also, according to the State of Working America 2000-2001 report, survey findings indicate that 73% of the workforce does not have a four-year college degree (Economic Policy Institute). As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, more and more working adults will be seeking to complete or obtain a four-year degree in order to increase their competitive edge in a tough marketplace. Adult learners tend to be more committed to success and completion within education programs than their younger counterparts.

What programs are available to me through Education Strategy?

We focus on three programs tailored for the working adult learner. We offer a Bachelors degree-completion programs in Organizational Management and Health Care Management - and a complete Masters in Business Administration (MBA). All programs are available in a modular, cohort-based classroom – online – blended approach.

What additional services does Education Strategy provide my institution?

We provide more than just the curriculum content that your institution needs for an adult education program. We specialize in higher education strategy and provide a wide variety of consulting and marketing services all included in the contract price. This creative educational program represents only one tool of many, however, it has been extremely successful in all six regional accreditation areas with fully accredited schools.

What is my institution's financial obligation to Education Strategy if the program, for whatever reason, is not successful?

If the program is terminated, you have limited financial obligation to Education Strategy. You would be responsible for only payments while the program was/is in operation, and nothing more beyond a simple non-compete clause. There is no obligation to pay us back for days of service. We are that sure we can be successful together!

What is involved in the curriculum support offered by Education Strategy?

We not only provide you with the best curriculum and course materials available, but we also make sure that it is the most updated material—even after you purchase a curriculum line from us. This service continues for a full two years following the contract date without an additional charge! We provide updates to the courses when required textbooks go into new editions or go out of print, and then provide those updates to you at no additional cost. If you decide past the two year point to update your curriculum on your own, there is no charge - the curriculum is yours. However, should you want to continue with this valuable updating service, we often set up an agreement on an annual contract basis. Should you have questions about your curriculum or the updates, we provide you with answers, as immediately as possible! We are a full-service organization, dedicated to the satisfaction of our partner institutions.

What about my Accreditation Agency?

Nathan Greeno, Education Strategy’s President, has successfully worked with all six regional accreditation agencies to advance the acceptance of these unique programs as well as the Federal Department of Education and Title IV compliance. Education Strategy will continue this success story by aiding you in gaining the full backing of your accreditation agency.

We are concerned about our online capacity. Can you help?

If you currently have an online campus, we can show your team how to place each course online using the turn-key online materials. If you don’t have an online campus, or don’t believe you have the resources to support a full program online, we can show you open source technology that will save your institution hundreds of thousands of dollars over time in IT provider fees, as well as pointing you to proven outsourced technology support.