The Future of OPMs in Higher-Ed - A conversation with Dustin Ramsdell

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I interviewed Dustin Ramsdell, Client Success Manager at Direct Development and host of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast.

We dove into the evolving landscape of Online Program Management (OPM) services and what universities need to know as the sector faces growing challenges.

𝓚𝓮𝔂 𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:

𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

Universities are shifting away from the traditional OPM model due to rising costs and diminishing returns. The recent bankruptcy filing by 2U, a leading OPM, signals a broader trend where institutions are reconsidering long-term, revenue-sharing contracts.

𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟 & 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

Many institutions are opting to develop and manage their own online programs, avoiding the hefty fees OPMs require.

As Dustin points out, while building in-house capabilities is more resource-intensive upfront, it offers institutions full control over their programs and branding.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

The new model gaining traction? Online Program Enablers (OPEs).

Instead of long-term partnerships, universities are moving toward short-term, fee-for-service agreements to meet specific needs, like video production or instructional design, without sacrificing control or profitability.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞

In a significant policy shift, Minnesota became the first state to ban OPM partnerships with public institutions, setting a precedent that could influence future federal regulations.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭?

Dustin believes the future of OPMs lies in a more flexible, service-based approach. Universities can use external partners strategically to scale operations without being tied to costly revenue-sharing contracts.

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡

🔹 Cost of acquiring students

🔹 Program scalability

🔹 Quality control in in-house programs

🎙 Tune in for more insights on how higher-ed institutions are navigating the digital shift and what it means for the future of online learning.

Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn or check out The Higher Ed Geek Podcast for more discussions on the future of higher education.

Until next time. ✌

#HigherEducation #EducationMarketing #OPM #DigitalEducation #EnrollmentStrategies #MarketingInHigherEd