A new Inside Higher Ed and Hanover Research survey — sponsored by Strata Decision Technology — highlights growing concern among higher ed business officers as they face shrinking enrollments, reduced funding, and rising costs. Fewer than half expect their institution’s financial health to improve in the next year, reflecting a drop in short-term optimism compared to 2024. 

Learn how leaders from WKU used strategic financial planning to strengthen long-term financial health, including:

• Shorter budget cycles that increase agility 
• Centralized data to prevent costly errors 
• Greater transparency that drives accountability 
• Faster, more informed decision-making 
• Incentive-based budgeting that supports growth 

Today’s higher education landscape is marked by change and uncertainty. Shifting enrollment, an unpredictable funding landscape, and pressure to demonstrate institutional value have prompted colleges and universities to prioritize long-term planning to better prepare for the future.