Thinking of expanding your institution’s online presence? A top-notch OPM provider can work wonders—quite literally. From fueling growth to boosting revenue, OPMs help universities deliver education to a global audience and thrive in the digital age.

At its core, Online Program Management (OPM) refers to partnerships between educational institutions and third-party experts who specialize in taking academic programs online. This $1.1 billion industry is thriving, and it’s easy to see why.

OPM providers offer a full suite of services designed to help your institution succeed in the digital world. Whether it’s providing upfront capital, managing the entire student lifecycle, or creating a winning digital marketing strategy, OPMs have the expertise to get it done.

#1 Provide Upfront Capital

One of the biggest hurdles to launching an online program is the initial investment. This is where OPM providers step in with upfront capital, making it easier for universities to expand their offerings without financial strain.

Most OPMs operate on a revenue-share model, where they cover a significant portion of the initial costs in exchange for a share of the program’s future revenue. This means the institution can focus on delivering education, while the OPM takes care of the financial risk.

In simple terms, universities can launch programs without the heavy upfront costs, allowing them to make sustainable financial plans and scale efficiently over time.

#2 Full Student Life Cycle Management

An OPM provider does more than just help you launch an online program—they manage every step of the student journey, from recruitment to graduation.

This means the OPM team handles student recruitment, using expert resources and targeted marketing to attract the right students. Once students are enrolled, the OPM ensures they’re supported throughout their academic journey with help desks, virtual advising, and ongoing communication.

The goal? Keep students engaged and ensure they stay on track semester after semester. By managing the entire student life cycle, the OPM helps maximize retention and ensure a positive student experience from start to finish.

#3 In-Depth Market Research

For an OPM provider to manage your online program successfully, they need a deep understanding of your institution, your competition, and the needs of your target audience.

This starts with comprehensive research. The OPM team dives into the details of your academic programs, analyzes audience demands, and studies the competitive landscape. They explore what potential students are looking for, what other courses they’re considering, and what makes your program stand out.

Only after gathering these insights can the OPM and your institution work together to create a program that meets market demand and drives sustainable enrollment growth.

#4 Collaborate on Course Creation

While faculty experts are responsible for developing the curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments, the OPM team plays a key consulting role in course creation.

Using insights from their research, the OPM advises on best practices for student engagement and how to make your course stand out in a competitive market. They help ensure that your program not only meets academic standards but also delivers a top-tier online learning experience that attracts and retains students.

In an ideal partnership, course creation becomes a collaborative process where faculty expertise and market insights combine to create a program that’s both academically sound and marketable.

#5 Develop and Execute a Winning Digital Marketing Plan

Once your program is ready, it’s time to market it—and this is where an OPM provider truly shines. The OPM team builds a customized marketing funnel designed to capture attention, engage prospective students, and guide them toward enrollment.

Using the latest marketing technologies, the OPM handles everything from targeted digital ads to social media campaigns, email marketing, and SEO. Best of all, your institution doesn’t have to worry about investing in expensive tools or training staff—it’s all part of the OPM package.

By outsourcing your marketing efforts, you can focus on delivering education, while the OPM ensures your program reaches the right audience.

Astria Learning: Higher Education For Everyone

Not all OPM providers are created equal. As the OPM market grows, providers are becoming more specialized, making it crucial to choose the right one for your institution’s unique needs.

At Astria Learning, we’re dedicated to making high-quality education globally accessible. With a team of experts in research, recruitment, and marketing, we’re ready to help your institution reach and engage learners worldwide.

Wondering how Astria can transform your online programs? Request a demo or reach out to us today—we’re here to help you shape the future of eLearning.