OPMs – A Game-Changer: Can Colleges and Universities Survive Without Them?

In recent years, the higher education landscape has witnessed significant changes, driven by technological advancements and changing student preferences. The projected value of the online learning industry is anticipated to exceed $370 billion by the year 2026. One of the most notable shifts has been the rise of Online Program Management companies, commonly known as OPMs.

OPMs have been instrumental in helping traditional institutions establish and expand their online presence. They bring expertise in online course development, technology infrastructure, and marketing, allowing universities to reach a broader audience and generate revenue.

While OPMs have played a vital role in helping institutions adapt to the digital age, universities are now seeking ways to strike a balance between their dependence on external partners and their commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education. The future of higher education may well involve a more nuanced relationship with OPMs, one that prioritizes both access and academic integrity.

However, Concerns have risen that OPMs, driven by profit motives, may prioritize enrollment numbers over educational quality. This, in turn, raises worries about academic integrity and the commercialization of education.
The ultimate question remains: Can higher education institutions thrive without OPMs? The answer varies depending on individual institutional goals and resources.

In this blog, we will explore the role of OPMs in higher education, their benefits, challenges, and whether colleges and universities can survive without them.

The Emergence of OPMs in Higher Education

Online education’s popularity has surged due to its flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. In response to this demand, OPMs emerged as strategic partners for institutions seeking to establish a robust online presence swiftly. OPMs bring expertise in instructional design, marketing, technology infrastructure, and student support to help colleges and universities create and deliver high-quality online programs.

Advantages of OPM Partnerships

Faster Market Penetration: Partnering with OPMs allows colleges and universities to expedite the development and launch of online programs. OPMs have the resources and experience to accelerate the process, enabling institutions to tap into the growing online education market quickly.

Expertise and Support: OPMs offer expertise in online pedagogy, instructional design, and technology implementation. They provide comprehensive support, including marketing, recruitment, and student services, which can be invaluable for institutions new to the online education space.

Risk Mitigation: Building and managing online programs independently can be financially risky for institutions, especially if they lack the necessary experience. OPM partnerships share the risk and offer a more predictable cost structure, ensuring institutions can focus on providing quality education.

Scalability: OPMs can help institutions scale their online programs efficiently. With established infrastructure and support services, institutions can accommodate a larger student base without compromising educational quality.

Concerns Surrounding OPMs

Cost and Revenue Sharing: OPMs typically charge a significant portion of the tuition revenue generated from online programs. While this fee-sharing model mitigates financial risk, it can also reduce the institution’s potential revenue.

Academic Control: Some critics argue that OPMs might influence academic decisions, compromising the integrity and academic autonomy of the institution. Balancing academic control while leveraging OPM expertise is a challenge institutions must navigate.

Quality Concerns: Ensuring consistent quality across online programs is paramount. Institutions must closely monitor program delivery and student support to maintain academic standards and student satisfaction.

Long-Term Sustainability: OPM partnerships are typically long-term commitments. Institutions need to carefully assess the long-term viability of the partnership and its impact on institutional identity and mission.

In this ever-evolving landscape of higher education, striking the right balance between institutional autonomy and external expertise is essential. Online Program Management companies have undeniably played a crucial role in the growth of online education, offering valuable expertise and support to colleges and universities. However, the concerns surrounding OPMs have spurred institutions to reevaluate their approach to online program development. Colleges and universities must critically assess their goals, resources, and long-term vision to make informed decisions that align with their unique mission and cater to the needs of their diverse student body.

                                                                                                                                                                          Author: Christyno Esakias