Create and maintain academic programs
that align with industry needs and students' career goals
Why does program-to-market alignment matter?
It’s no secret that today’s learners expect their educational investment to equip them for career success. That’s why aligning programs with market demand is critical to delivering value for students. Whether you’re updating an existing program, launching a new degree, or developing your first microcredential, connecting course content to career pathways and in-demand skills can lead to growing enrollment, increased retention, and better career outcomes for graduates.
4 questions to answer during the program development & review process:
Do peer institutions offer similar programs already?
What are the growth trends for industries and occupations related to this program?
Who are the top employers in the region that would hire our graduates?
What skills are most in-demand and what are the skill gaps that our program could help fill?
Get the insight you need to create & maintain successful academic programs
Lightcast’s data and analysis helps you understand your environment:
Completions at peer institutions
Growing industries
Demographic trends
Top employers
In-demand skills
Much more!
With this insight, you can align your programs with real needs and opportunities in your region, preparing students (and your institution) for long-term success.
What do I need to know for program review & development?
Competitive landscape
Are there peer institutions in my region that offer a program similar to the one I'm reviewing or developing?
Lightcast is helping colleges, universities, and ed tech providers understand the economy
A public university in the Southeast
East Carolina University (ECU) used a comprehensive environmental scan to prioritize program growth and marketing investment that aligns with market demand, and supports the university’s fiscal sustainability and enrollment goals.
A community college in the Midwest
Waubonsee Community College combined hard data on employer demand, occupation growth, and wages with qualitative information to anticipate local needs and develop high-impact programs.
An alternative education non-profit
Per Scholas uses labor market data to pinpoint which communities to impact: cities where they can best connect underrepresented individuals to careers in tech, where there is a market strong enough for their footprint, and where they add value to the community.
Find the Right Solution
Analyst Software Platform
Get all the market insight you need, including skills, occupations, employers, and much more – all in one, user-friendly software platform.
Program Demand Gap Analysis Report
Get a decision-ready report from Lightcast economists that evaluates your current market alignment and higlights opportunities for growth.
API Access
Integrate Lightcast into internal dashboards to guide decision making, or embed directly into your website to show prospective students the careers and opportunities you'll prepare them for.
See the challenges and opportunities your programs face
Get a free sample report, specific to your region and program
Drive enrollment growth and student success with skill-rich credentials and degrees.
Institutions that align with learners’ career goals and skill gaps are better positioned to attract and serve those learners. Lightcast skills data and labor market insight makes it easier to improve, validate, and demonstrate that alignment.
Get the insight you need for program development and review
Identify skill gaps
Compare the supply and demand of specific skills within your labor market, based on employer job postings and working professionals' online profiles.
Assess the competitive landscape
Quickly research which institions offer similar programs and see how your institution compares as a talent provider for regional employers.
Evaluate program-to-market alignment and gaps
Discover unmet educational needs in your region and spot opportunities for growth with a program demand gap analysis.
Strengthen industry partnerships
Get real-time insight into hiring trends and skill demand at key employers, as well as insight into your alumni's career pathways.
Learn more about data-driven program development and review
Schedule a time to talk with a member of our team. We'd love to show you how Lightcast can help you make informed program portfolio decisions.
