The challenges facing higher education and how Genio helps
Higher education institutions are confronted with several challenges that are impacting student success, as well as their bottom line.
Challenges affecting higher education institutions
- Changing student demographics and the rise of non-traditional learners in the United States, who are now the New Majority
- The cost of student churn to higher education institutions, estimated at a staggering $10.72 billion in the US
- The increased need to provide support to learners to avoid them falling into the disengagement cycle and dropping out
- Understanding the 3 fundamental learning challenges facing today's learners in order to provide the right support.
How Genio helps tackle these challenges
This pack pulls together our resources that help you better understand each of these challenges and how to address them with scalable proactive measures and evidence-based technological solutions, like Genio Notes.
Student demographics are changing

Non-traditional learners now constitute the New Majority in higher education in the United States. 40.2% of students are over the age of 22 and 69.3% work while studying.
Part-time learners constitute 39.2% of the student population and the number of neurodivergent learners has increased by 267% since 2004. The conventional concept of a college student is no longer accurate
Retention challenges are mounting

Student churn represents a significant financial and reputational crisis for U.S. higher education institutions.
The total estimated annual value of lost tuition from student churn is a staggering $10.72 billion, with first-year students accounting for nearly half of that cost at $4.85 billion.
Increased need for HEIs to offer support

Now more than ever, there is a need for higher education institutions to provide support for these learners to avoid them falling into a cycle of disengagement and dropping out.
Research proves Genio helps

Genio creates beautifully simple learning tools that boost knowledge, skills, and confidence. Trusted by over 1000 institutions globally, we enhance learning for all abilities, proving to improve retention and student outcomes.
The independent LXD study of over 1,400 students, showed that Genio achieved statistically significant results across all target areas, including a GPA increase (3.34 to 3.46) and a reduction in student dropout intentions (7% to 5%).
The study met the criteria for ESSA Level 3 (Promising Evidence), confirming the study's rigor and linking Genio to a widely accepted standard for educational effectiveness.
Positive outcomes for learners

• 45% of students improved their GPA after using Genio
• At risk students (GPA < 2.0) saw a +1.27 GPA increase (79%)
• 76% felt more confident in their note taking skills with Genio
• 78% of users said Genio made studying less stressful
• 74% of students said that Genio has improved their study skills
“My grades were better, as the quality improved not only my understanding, but my application of what I’ve learned” - Amy Ellgard, Mt. San Jacinto Community College
Positive outcomes for institutions

• Improved retention by 11% - students utilizing Genio achieved an 88% retention rate from Fall to Spring, compared to 77% for students who didn’t use Genio.
• Genio saved 28 students from dropping out.
• Volunteer State Community College successfully demonstrated Genio’s impact, securing long term funding via the Student Tech Fee.
“After more than 30 years in higher education, working at a community college serving an 11-county area around Nashville, I can confidently say Genio is one of the best tools we’ve come across. As a student services professional, I love seeing how it helps our students stay organized, learn more effectively, and ultimately do better in their classes. It’s simple, intuitive, and really makes a difference.”
- Anne-Marie McKee, Assistant Vice President for the Division of Student Services
Taking action

Proactive support is far more effective than individual interventions. Institutions should look to equip, empower and encourage all of their learners from day one - here’s a blueprint on how you can achieve this.
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