Rize recently reached a significant milestone by helping 100+ small colleges grow enrollment & revenue with our innovative program sharing model. As the technology force behind the Lower Cost Models for Independent Colleges Consortium, we've collaborated with our partners in launching over 600 academic programs in market-responsive fields that seamlessly integrate with their existing course catalog — all for a fraction of the traditional cost and risk.
We also support our partners' institutional success every step of the way through several layers of managed services to improve the quality, transparency and consistency of traditional course sharing. This includes enrollment marketing support to enhance enrollment growth, student success monitoring with detailed progress reports to ensure positive student outcomes, and career-focused programs designed with industry partners so your students are prepared with the skills they need upon graduating.
But don't just take our word for it. Hear directly from our partners in our collection of their success stories, including a few highlighted below.
Building the College of the Future
27 majors, 13 minors, 8 certificates
Ranked as one of the 'Most Innovative Schools' by U.S. News & World Report, Adrian College's innovation and academic portfolio expansion with Rize has been a key driver in boosting recruitment, retention, and overall enrollment. This has helped Adrian defy statewide enrollment declines and remain financially stable, preserving $6 million in revenue. Since integrating Rize programs, enrollment deposits in new programs doubled from 2022 to 2023 and are projected to increase another 30% in 2024. As President Docking notes, "The solution is binary: innovate or die...With Rize, we are creating both a better business model and a better educational experience that will guide us into the future."
Read the story of how Adrian is building the College of the Future.
Why Nebraska Wesleyan is Investing in Long-Term Enrollment
277 Rize-powered course registrations, 72 declared students
Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU), ranked as the #1 independent regional university in Nebraska, partnered with Rize to expand its academic offerings in high-demand fields like digital marketing, data analytics, and public health, blending seamlessly into NWU’s interdisciplinary Archway framework. Dr. Graciela Caneiro-Livingston, NWU’s provost, shared, “Our students are excited about Rize programs because they provide the skills and flexibility they need to succeed in a diverse, modern workforce.”
Read the story of how Nebraska Wesleyan is investing in long-term enrollment.
How Reinhardt Added 20 Programs Across 10 Academic Fields
8x growth in course registrations, 118 Cybersecurity students admitted (F’24)
Known for being a trailblazer for education and innovation in its community since 1883, Reinhardt University’s partnership with Rize has allowed the university to offer high-demand programs while maintaining the personalized, small college experience that fosters close connections between students and faculty. President Mark Roberts highlights the strategic importance of Rize, noting, “Students often have a direct path to the industry... that's a significant impact for us." This partnership is a further example of Reinhardt’s commitment to providing high-value, career-oriented education.
Read the story of how Reinhardt added 20 programs across 10 academic fields.
Adding Technical Programs for All Learner Types
100% of students recommend their Rize classes to other students
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) has expanded from its origins as a Bible training school into a vibrant liberal arts community, including five new Rize technical programs, including Computer Science and Game Development, within just one semester. Nearly 10% of the undergraduate population enrolled in Rize-powered courses. Dr. Stacey Duke, Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs, noted, “Rize has done a really good job making this feel like a true partnership…there is around-the-clock support, and Rize provides all of the information I need to be the best coach and advocate for our students.”
Read the story of how OKWU added technical programs for all learner types.
If you're interested in learning more about our partners' evolution of innovation, request a call with our Academic Partnerships team.
