Blog

The latest research and insights from Gray DI

Rebuilding the Humanities: Innovative Interdisciplinary Majors to Watch

Once seen as relics of the past, humanities programs are quietly evolving to meet the demands of today’s students and employers. A new wave of interdisciplinary degrees is blending cultural literacy, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning with career-aligned skills in areas like digital media, public health, and social entrepreneurship. Explore how institutions are reimagining the liberal arts—not as nostalgia, but as a modern, adaptable foundation for leadership, innovation, and workforce relevance.

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Gray Data

Addressing the Primary Care Gap: How Higher Ed Can Lead with PA Programs

A growing physician shortage is reshaping the future of healthcare and higher education. As demand for primary care rises, Physician Assistant (PA) programs are stepping in, offering a faster, more flexible path to the workforce. Explore how PA programs are becoming a key growth opportunity for colleges and a vital solution for U.S. healthcare.

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Gray Insights

Agentic AI: A New Partner in Progress for Higher Education and Beyond

We’ve entered the era of Agentic AI—where systems don’t just respond to prompts but act with autonomy, intention, and adaptability. This shift opens new possibilities for learning, research, and administration in higher ed. Explore how Agentic AI works, what sets it apart, and why thoughtful integration could be a game-changer for institutions.

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Gray Insights

The AI Tutor: A Human-Centered Approach

AI tutors can be transformative—but only when built the right way. Curious what that actually takes? From avoiding AI “hallucinations” to protecting professors’ content and making sure students get real support (not shortcuts), this deep dive breaks down the must-haves for building AI that truly belongs in the classroom.

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Gray Insights

Mars: The Next Leap for Humankind

Mars is no longer just the stuff of science fiction—it’s emerging as the next grand challenge for humanity, demanding expertise far beyond rocket science. From sustainable life-support systems to interplanetary law and supply chain logistics, preparing for a future on the Red Planet calls for a truly multidisciplinary approach. With universities already launching innovative programs in space exploration, planetary science, and even Martian community simulations, the groundwork for our next giant leap is already underway.

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Gray Insights

Beyond the RCM Budget: Seeing the Real Story of Your University’s Finances

Behind every college budget lies a deeper story—one that traditional reports often miss. With tools like Gray DI’s Program Economics, academic leaders can move beyond broad revenue and expense figures to uncover what’s really driving costs, margins, and strategic opportunities at the course and program level. From identifying which courses quietly subsidize others to making precise, data-informed adjustments, this level of insight turns financial management into a powerful tool for shaping the future of higher education.

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Gray Data

Using Data to Rebuild Trust and Confidence in Higher Education

Public trust in higher education is declining—but the data tells a different story. From lifetime ROI figures to real-world alumni outcomes and program-level financial performance, explore how institutions can use transparent, relevant data to show the enduring value of a college degree. Learn how to shift the narrative, build confidence among students and stakeholders, and make the case for higher education with evidence, not assumptions.

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