DeVry study 2026 reveals prospective
A national DeVry University study finds most prospective graduate students prefer structured, instructor-led classes within flexible competency-based
A 2026 national study commissioned by DeVry University shows most prospective graduate and undergraduate students favor instructor-led classes and institutional messaging that emphasizes support over pure self-guidance. The survey of 600 prospective students aged 20 to 59, conducted in March and April, found 58 percent of graduate students and 38 percent of undergraduates preferred structured, instructor-led weekly classes.
Nearly half of graduate students (49%) and 38% of undergraduates said they need structured deadlines to stay on track. This need for structure exists alongside a desire for flexibility, as 86 percent of prospective graduate students said they could manage their time without strict deadlines. Messaging that emphasizes a supported experience was preferred by 66 percent of graduate prospects and 59 percent of undergraduate prospects.
Competency-based education appeals strongly to older, working, and parent learners
Majorities across age groups, employment status, and parenthood find competency-based education very appealing, with the highest appeal among those aged 51 to 55 and full-time workers. The study reveals a clear demographic pattern in the appeal of this flexible model.
| Group | Percentage Finding CBE 'Very Appealing' |
|---|---|
| Full-time workers | 71% |
| Part-time workers | 58% |
| Ages 46-50 | 79% |
| Ages 51-55 | 88% |
| Parents | 76% |
| Nonparents | 62% |
Sixty-three percent of prospects aged 50 and older said they would be more likely to pursue a degree if their desired program were offered in a competency-based education format.
Many prospective students say they would only enroll if competency-based options exist
A significant share of both undergraduate and graduate prospects indicate enrollment depends on the availability of competency-based formats. Forty percent of graduate prospects said they would enroll only if a competency-based option were available. For undergraduate prospects, the figure was 31 percent.
Work-study flexibility is a key factor in enrollment decisions
The vast majority of parents and a large share of nonparents say flexibility to balance work and study influences their choice to enroll. Ninety-four percent of parents said work-study flexibility influences their enrollment decisions. Eighty-three percent of nonparents said the same.
DeVry University president and CEO Elise Awwad highlighted the target audience's motivation. "They’re already in a career," she said. "They want to either upskill, career change or career advance."
DeVry’s new AI-enhanced Fast Track program responds to these learner demands
DeVry-Keller Fast Track offers a competency-based, mastery-driven pathway with personalized support, launching with the MBA and operating alongside traditional programs. Launched on September 30, 2026, the AI-enhanced program began with the Master of Business Administration in fall 2026.
Learners enroll in 16-week subscription periods, with progress based on demonstrating mastery of workforce-relevant competencies. The model includes DeVry Care for personalized support. Jason Horne is chief strategy and transformation officer at DeVry University and Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., is provost and chief academic officer. DeVry-Keller Fast Track began with the Master of Business Administration program in fall 2026 and operates alongside DeVry’s traditional degree programs.
