Three-quarters of colleges and universities expect private-sector partnerships to grow at their institutions, according to a new national survey conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education and P3•EDU. The same survey found that more than half of participants anticipate revenue challenges based on recent federal policy changes.
The survey—drawing on responses from 357 chancellors, presidents, provosts, CFOs, and other senior college and university leaders—comes ahead of the annual P3•EDU event hosted by Georgia Tech, November 3–5, 2025.
Key Findings
- Top priorities for partnerships: workforce development and employee training (63%), health, telehealth, or mental health services (43%), artificial intelligence (40%), and marketing/recruiting (40%). Workforce training and AI saw the greatest increases in interest on campus, up 8% and 6% from the 2024 survey.
- Why institutions partner: 73% cite access to unique competencies or superior services, 55% point to speed of execution, and 40% note access to capital investment.
- Federal policy impact: 56% of leaders say recent federal policy changes have altered revenue forecasts—especially in international student recruitment (83%), financial aid and tuition revenue (79%), and research funding (69%).
- Artificial Intelligence adoption: 76% of institutions are already using AI in teaching and learning, with rapid expansion projected in adoption to support administrative processes, recruiting and enrollment, and student support services on campus.
- Reservations: 33% of respondents expressed concerns about private-sector partnerships, down 8% from the 2024 survey.
“Higher education leaders are navigating a pivotal moment,” said Michelle Marks, Chancellor Emerita of the University of Colorado Denver. “Public-private partnerships are becoming critical tools to address financial pressures, technology adoption, and student success. Given the headwinds facing colleges and universities, the skills to explore transformative partnerships are no longer optional—they’re required on many campuses.”
For full survey results, visit 2025 Public-Private Partneship Survey or www.p3edu.com/#resources.
P3•EDU is a leading national forum for higher education innovation and partnerships, bringing together senior executives from universities, corporations, government, and foundations. Now in its seventh year, P3•EDU will be hosted by Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, November 3–5, 2025. For more information, visit www.p3edu.com.