Regional public universities sit at the center of higher education’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. They educate the majority of students attending four-year public institutions, serve as anchors for local economies, and expand access for learners who are often overlooked. Yet their role and impact are frequently underrecognized.
As enrollment patterns shift and workforce demands change, institutional leaders are pursuing strategies that prioritize access, affordability, and long-term mission. To better understand how regional public universities are responding, Risepoint collaborated with The Chronicle of Higher Education to survey more than 450 administrators at these institutions nationwide.
Download The State of Regional Public Colleges to learn what this research reveals about leadership confidence, enrollment strategies, and the evolving role of regional publics in the communities they serve.
Key research findings
- Leadership confidence remains strong. 72% of respondents express trust in their institution’s strategic vision.
- Public understanding of value continues to lag. Fewer leaders than last year believe the public understands the value of regional public universities, though 42% say state lawmakers recognize their impact.
- Adult learners and online programs drive enrollment growth. 74% of respondents identify adult learners as the greatest enrollment opportunity, while 59% point to online learners.
- Institutions look to diversify revenue through new credentials. Alternative and stackable credentials, online programs, and graduate education are cited as the top areas for revenue growth.
Taken together, these findings highlight a sector integrating its role as a workforce pipeline and community anchor with a clear sense of mission and purpose. Download the full report for insights on where institutions see opportunity to expand access, align programs with workforce needs, and deepen their economic and civic impact.
Research in practice: Insights from virtual forum
The Chronicle of Higher Education gathered academic leaders to discuss the survey results and what they mean in practice. The conversation explored how leaders are communicating the value of regional public universities, responding to enrollment and affordability challenges, and staying nimble in a shifting economic and political landscape.
Watch the virtual forum recording below, featuring insights from Risepoint partners Dr. Donna Hodge, President of Fitchburg State University, and Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate. Both leaders reflect on how the report’s findings connect to everyday decision-making on their campuses and the communities that depend on them.
