Market Intelligence and Analysis

Market research provides an objective and structured way to evaluate and compare academic programs, as data obtained from trusted sources can provide insight on the future demands for higher education. Our team of market intelligence analysts conducts market research and gathers accurate, relevant and unbiased data to guide strategic decisions throughout new program development or program revitalization. By analyzing industry-desired skills, projected occupational growth, top competitors, and more, we can help position K-State programs for success.

Our services are open to programs, units and colleges across all K-State campuses at no cost. Learn more about how we serve the university community by reading our annual report (PDF).

Report Offerings and Capabilities

We provide a range of reports to K-State faculty and staff, all of which are personalized and adapted to individual programs.

• Market Scan Report: Short, targeted summaries of academic program-related issues and trends.
• Market Demand Report: Overview of degree completion trends, key competitors, job posting insights and projected occupation growth typically used for new program proposals.
• Competitor Analysis Report: Detailed comparisons between an existing K-State program with programs at ten-to-twenty other institutions.
• Curriculum Refresh Report: Comparison between existing K-State program course offerings with offerings at ten-to-twenty other institutions and an overview of top related skills in the job market.
• Program Benchmarking Report: Comparison of multiple academic programs using a customizable set of market research metrics (degree completion market share, projected occupation growth, etc.).
• Labor Market Insight Report: Deep dives on industries, companies, occupations and skills in specified geographic markets. Receive nationwide and regional occupation projections to stay in-tune with labor market demand that impacts student outcomes.
• Customized Report: If the reports above do not address your research needs, then you can consult with a member of our team to customize a market research report.

Our Toolset

We primarily use Lightcast Analyst, an online tool that combines degree completion data, real-time jobs postings data and projected occupation data. This allows us to identify student demand, labor market demand and determine whether academic programs are aligned with current employer and job trends.

Our team also utilizes Gray Associates, an online Program Evaluation System (PES) for higher education. This tool allows us to evaluate metrics on student demand, job opportunities and programmatic competition.

Submit a Request – Work with us!

Please complete the form below to submit a request for market research assistance regarding a current or potential new program. A team member will contact you to determine how we can help and get the market research process started!