This playbook explains how to adapt your design strategies to improve access, support retention, and modernize the student learning experience. The cost of college tuition in the United States has been steadily rising for more than two decades, creating growing affordability challenges for current and prospective students. At the same time, students increasingly expect colleges and universities to deliver career-relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate a clear return on their investment. As institutions face enrollment pressures and declining public confidence in the value of a degree, many are rethinking how they approach affordability and student success. This playbook provides a roadmap to address the total cost of education while modernizing the learning experience to meet evolving student expectations. You’ll learn how to: Address non-tuition costs like housing, food, transportation, and course materials Enhance affordability through institution-wide design strategies and leadership alignment Strengthen access, retention, and student outcomes while demonstrating long-term value
