Drew U. Bets on Personalized Learning to Navigate Shifting Higher Ed Landscape

Madison, NJ – Drew University is making a bold move to address the evolving needs of students and the increasingly competitive higher education landscape. The university recently announced the launch of a new college focused on personalized learning, offering students the ability to tailor their academic journey and develop skills directly applicable to the modern workforce. This initiative comes as colleges across the nation grapple with declining enrollment in traditional programs, rising costs, and a growing demand for demonstrable career readiness.

While Drew isn't alone in experimenting with innovative approaches, its commitment to individualized pathways sets it apart. The new college aims to move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” model of education, offering students greater agency over their learning experiences and ensuring they develop competencies valued by employers. “Students are looking for more than just a degree,” explains a university administrator. “They want to know what they’ll do with it. They want a clear return on investment.”

A Response to Shifting Sands

The move comes at a pivotal time for higher education. Recent data from Gallup indicates a modest rebound in confidence in colleges and universities, but levels remain lower than pre-pandemic figures. Concerns about affordability, job preparation, and the overall value proposition of a four-year degree continue to fuel skepticism. Simultaneously, the number of students choosing alternative pathways, such as vocational training, online courses, and microcredential programs, is on the rise.

“The traditional higher education model is being disrupted,” notes an education consultant specializing in institutional innovation. “Students are demanding more flexibility, more relevance, and more value. Colleges that fail to adapt will struggle to survive.”

Drew’s initiative isn’t simply about offering new courses. The new college will leverage technology and data analytics to create personalized learning pathways, allowing students to identify their strengths, pursue their interests, and build skills aligned with their career goals. “We’re thinking about education as a continuous journey, not a fixed destination,” says a member of the curriculum development team. “We want to empower students to become lifelong learners.”

Beyond the Classroom: Skills for the Real World

A key element of the new college is its emphasis on real-world application. Students will engage in project-based learning, internships, and other experiential opportunities designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The curriculum will be co-created with industry partners to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce.

“Employers are looking for candidates who can think critically, solve problems, and collaborate effectively,” says a representative from a local tech company that has partnered with Drew. “Traditional degrees are important, but they’re not enough. We need graduates who can hit the ground running.”

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Drew’s decision to focus on personalized learning places it in a growing cohort of institutions experimenting with innovative models. Arizona State University (ASU) has emerged as a leader in this space, offering a range of flexible and individualized degree programs, while Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has gained recognition for its competency-based education model. Western Governors University (WGU) is also a prominent player, specializing in online, competency-based degrees for working adults.

“The competition is fierce,” admits a university administrator. “But we believe we have a unique value proposition. We’re a small liberal arts university with a strong tradition of personalized attention and a commitment to student success. We can offer students a more intimate and supportive learning environment than many larger institutions.”

Financial Realities and Institutional Viability

The financial pressures facing higher education are considerable. While Drew’s enrollment figures have shown some recent growth, the university, like many others, faces ongoing challenges related to rising costs, declining state funding, and the need to attract a diverse student body. The success of the new college will be crucial to its long-term financial viability.

“The new college isn’t just about improving the student experience,” explains a university official. “It’s about securing the future of the institution. We need to demonstrate that we’re providing value to students, employers, and the community.”

Drew’s investment in personalized learning represents a calculated risk. It's a bet that students will embrace a more flexible, relevant, and individualized approach to education. Whether this strategy will be enough to navigate the turbulent waters of the higher education landscape remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Drew University is determined to adapt, innovate, and secure its place in the future of learning. The university is actively seeking partnerships and funding opportunities to scale the initiative and demonstrate its impact. The success of this venture will likely serve as a case study for other institutions grappling with similar challenges and seeking to redefine the role of higher education in the 21st century.