As higher education continues to evolve, more colleges and universities are turning to third-party companies to help launch or expand their online programs. One common option is an Online Program Manager (OPM), which might seem like a one-stop shop for everything your institution needs to thrive online. But before jumping into a partnership with an OPM, it’s essential to consider whether this model truly aligns with your institution’s goals—or if there’s a better way to manage your online education needs.
Spoiler alert: there is.
In this article, we’ll explore what OPMs do, why they might not be the best fit for your school, and how an alternative approach—Education Services Platforms (ESPs)—like Studio Enterprise can better meet your needs.
What is an Online Program Manager (OPM)?
An Online Program Manager (OPM) is a third-party company that helps colleges and universities develop and manage online programs. OPMs offer various services, including marketing, student recruitment, course design, technology infrastructure, and sometimes even providing the faculty.
Sounds like a perfect solution? Not so fast.
While OPMs handle many tasks in launching online programs, they often operate on revenue-sharing models. This means they take a percentage of the tuition revenue from each student enrolled in your online programs. While this can seem like a way to offload the risk, it can actually cost your institution more in the long run—both financially and in terms of control over your brand.
Why OPMs Might Not Be Right for Your School
Let’s break down a few reasons why OPMs may not be the ideal fit for your college or university:
1. Loss of Control
When you partner with an OPM, you often relinquish a significant amount of control over your online programs. The OPM might dictate how your courses are designed, how they’re marketed, and even the overall strategy for student recruitment. This can leave your institution feeling like it’s lost ownership of its own brand. For colleges and universities that value their identity and want to maintain a direct relationship with their students, this loss of control can be a significant drawback.
2. Revenue Sharing is Costly
The revenue-sharing model that most OPMs use can quickly become a financial burden. OPMs take a cut of tuition revenues—often as much as 50% or more—for every student enrolled. Over time, this can add up to millions of dollars, money that could have been reinvested into your institution’s mission, faculty, or campus improvements.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Many OPMs offer a standardized set of services, which may not be tailored to the unique needs of your institution. Whether your school has specific values, academic specialties, or student demographics, OPMs might need more flexibility to adapt their offerings accordingly. This cookie-cutter approach can prevent your school from offering a personalized experience for students, which is essential for standing out in today’s competitive higher education landscape.
4. Long-Term Contracts
OPMs often require schools to sign long-term contracts, sometimes lasting ten years or more. While the idea of a stable partnership might sound appealing, it also means your institution could be locked into an agreement that no longer aligns with your goals as technology, student expectations, and the higher education landscape evolve. In contrast, more flexible options could allow your institution to adapt to changing needs without being stuck in a lengthy, rigid partnership.
Introducing Education Services Platforms (ESPs)
So, if OPMs aren’t the best fit, what’s the alternative? Enter Education Services Platforms (ESPs)—a new and more flexible way to manage your institution’s online programs.
Unlike OPMs, ESPs offer a more customizable approach to education management. They provide similar services but allow schools to maintain control over their programs while offering more budget-friendly pricing models.
Studio Enterprise, for example, is an ESP that empowers colleges and universities by providing tailored services without taking control or a slice of your tuition revenue. Let’s look at why this model might be a better fit for your institution.
Why ESPs Are a Better Choice for Your School
1. Maintain Control
With an ESP, your institution retains control over every aspect of your online programs. Whether it’s course design, student engagement, or marketing strategies, you’re the one calling the shots. This autonomy allows your school to maintain its unique brand identity while still benefiting from expert support.
2. No Revenue Sharing
One of the most significant advantages of ESPs like Studio Enterprise is that they don’t operate on a revenue-sharing model. Instead, you pay for the services you need, often through a flat fee or customized pricing based on your specific requirements. This approach helps keep costs manageable while ensuring that more of your tuition dollars go back into your institution.
3. Tailored Solutions
Every school is different, and ESPs recognize that. They work closely with your institution to develop customized solutions that reflect your values, goals, and student population. Whether you’re looking to boost enrollment in niche programs or strengthen your institution’s overall online presence, an ESP can tailor its services to meet your unique needs.
4. Flexible Partnerships
Unlike OPMs that lock you into long-term contracts, ESPs often offer more flexible partnerships. With Studio Enterprise, for instance, you can scale services up or down as your needs change. This flexibility allows your institution to adapt to a rapidly changing higher education landscape without being tied to a rigid, multi-year agreement.
The Future of Online Education: ESPs Over OPMs
As more colleges and universities recognize the limitations of OPMs, ESPs are emerging as the more intelligent choice for institutions that want to grow their online programs without sacrificing control or revenue. By offering a more tailored, flexible, and cost-effective approach, ESPs like Studio Enterprise are leading the way in redefining how schools manage their online education strategies.
Instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all solution, your school can partner with an ESP to create a program that reflects your institution’s values and goals—without giving up control or losing a chunk of your hard-earned revenue.
Final Thoughts
While OPMs may seem like an easy solution for launching or expanding online programs, their drawbacks can far outweigh the benefits. Loss of control, high costs due to revenue-sharing, and rigid contracts can leave your school stuck in a less-than-ideal partnership.
On the other hand, ESPs like Studio Enterprise offer a more flexible, personalized, and financially sustainable solution. If your institution is considering expanding its online presence, it’s worth exploring whether an ESP might be a better fit. It’s time to take control of your online education strategy—and make it work for you, not the other way around.