5 Essential Strategies for Surviving Declining Higher Education Enrollment & Achieving Financial Sustainability in 2026

Higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges—from declining enrollment and reduced funding to rising operational costs and outdated financial models. According to a recent Ernst & Young study, 40% of U.S. four-year institutions are either at risk of closure or at-risk and in need of monitoring. But there is a path forward.

Join us for a powerful session where we’ll explore five essential strategies that can help your institution not only survive but thrive in today’s volatile landscape. You’ll hear real-life examples, including how institutions are spending hundreds of thousands annually on ineffective solutions—and what our experts recommend you do to change course.

This session will equip you with actionable insights to:

• Improve financial transparency and stewardship across campus

• Leverage technology for operational efficiency and cost savings

• Modernize your budget model to align with strategic priorities

• Look beyond tuition

• Invest in data-driven decision-making to assess program viability and ROI

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for:

• Finance and operations leaders in higher education

• Advancement and fundraising professionals

• Academic administrators and department heads

• Anyone involved in strategic planning or institutional sustainability

What You’ll Get

• A clear understanding of the top financial and operational challenges facing higher ed today

• Practical strategies and tools to address those challenges

• A chance to benchmark your institution’s approach with peers via live polling

• An invitation to book a personalized root cause analysis with our specialists