Program Prioritization and Positioning Study
Guide academic program planning and strategic positioning with data-informed market insights.
Do You Truly Understand How Your Institution Is Positioned Against Your Competition?
Encoura’s Program Prioritization and Positioning Study provides an in-depth, two-phase analysis to guide academic program planning and strategic positioning. By combining market research with an analysis of key competitors, we deliver actionable insights to help institutions identify programs that have high potential for enrollment growth and establish potential program differentiators.
This structured approach empowers institutions to identify areas of focus in their program portfolios, prioritize investments, and articulate differentiators in a competitive higher education landscape.
Answer Key Questions for Program Prioritization and Planning
How great is the demand for select academic programs in our market?
What programs are most likely to have enrollment growth potential based on market needs and student interest?
How can we differentiate current or new programs from key competitors?
Harness Market Insights for Your Academic Programs
PHASE 1
Environmental Scan of Academic Programs
The first phase of our study focuses on analyzing 10 programs, existing or new, using key market data. This environmental scan provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing program demand, positioning, and growth potential such as market size and trends, program modality, and starting salaries.
This phase equips institutions with a clear picture of market demand laying the foundation for a deep dive competitor analysis in Phase 2.
PHASE 2
Competitor Benchmarking and Differentiation
The second phase involves an in-depth competitor analysis of five programs and four competing institutions. This analysis identifies key points of differentiation and provides actionable insights to enhance your institution’s competitive positioning using key items such as curriculum, admissions requirements, scholarships, and web presence.
This phase highlights opportunities for differentiation, helping your institution stand out in the competitive academic landscape.

Talk With Our Experts Today
Gain critical insights into your academic programs now. Ask for a complimentary consultation with Encoura’s experts.