My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Widespread College Enrollment Decline
Timeframe: 3-7 years for widespread impact, already affecting smaller colleges
What's Changing
Two-thirds of university CFOs are deeply concerned about declining enrollment, with many colleges struggling to fill seats and facing financial pressure.
Driving Forces
Demographic decline in traditional college-age population
Rising skepticism about college ROI and student debt
Alternative career paths and online education options
COVID-19 disruption accelerating existing trends
Winners
- Companies helping colleges improve enrollment and retention
- Alternative education and certification providers
- Student services and support technology providers
- Colleges that successfully differentiate and improve student experience
Losers
- Small liberal arts colleges without strong brands or endowments
- Mid-tier regional universities
- Traditional college preparation and consulting services
- Campus-based businesses dependent on high enrollment
How to Position Yourself
Build solutions that help colleges attract and retain students
Focus on ROI and measurable outcomes for college clients
Target mid-market colleges most affected by enrollment pressure
Consider alternative education models that bypass traditional colleges
Early Signals to Watch
Example Implementation
“Build platform that helps colleges reduce 'summer melt' by connecting prospective students, potentially saving millions in lost tuition revenue.”
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