Because of these changes, post-secondary institutions are being challenged not only to educate and train recent high school graduates, but also to respond to the needs of those returning to school. These new customers present different demands to traditional secondary institutions in responding to their needs. At the same time, institutions such as corporate are emerging to fill some of these demands. Recent data points to a post-secondary education market which is in the midst of profound changes. Market demographics are changing.
Students are older, more are part timers, working, and taking classes in different settings.
Women now represent a majority of students. Issues related to cost, access and convenience will become more important. Lifelong learning is a reality. More than eight out of ten persons surveyed think that additional education and training are important to their success in the workplace. Teaching and learning in the traditional campus classroom are being challenged.