Dive Brief:

• Continuing studies programs can provide the cooperative extension, independence and revenue-attraction models to attract a diverse pool of students and corporate support for workforce development. 
• According to EdSurge, continuing education courses are more flexible to adapt to industrial needs, can conform to budget changes and can accommodate more room for innovation. 
• Competency-based learning models allow for greater flexibility in admissions and provide students ideal levels of diversity in professional experiences and perspectives. 

Dive Insight:

Adult learners will make up a significant portion of college enrollment over the next ten years, so the institutions which adapt to accommodate this growth will create opportunities for increased reach within corporate and underserved communities. 

Competency-based education provides opportunities for credentialing for working class students, but also provides flexibility for unique offerings like Purdue's Ph.D. program, which recruits working engineers and military veterans to enhance research and learning synergy for younger students. Institutions can reap the same level of tuition revenue, while building greater community resonance through industrial training and advanced degree opportunities.