Online program manager

An Online Program Manager (OPM) provides a ready made digital portal on which universities can run online courses. OPMs allow universities to get into online teaching without the costs and time needed to build their own platform. [1]The major OPMs include 2U, Noodle, Wiley, Academic Partnerships and Pearson. An OPM typically provides the software, helps faculty to develop the courses, markets the course, and undertakes student enrolment. In return the OPM takes a share of the revenue, typically from 30% to 80%. It also requires a long-term commitment from the institution. OPMs have grown substantially as universities have seen the benefit of students reaching beyond their geographical area while recognising their lack of skills in creating online courses. The revenue sharing model has been increasingly questioned[2][3] as online learning has matured, and colleges gain more skills in this area, with some seeking a fee-for-service arrangement rather than a revenue sharing model.

In 2020, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown called for five OPMs to disclose the terms of their contracts with colleges and universities in order to determine whether they were violating laws to safeguard consumers from predatory enrollment practices. [4] The companies mentioned were 2U, Academic Partnerships, Bisk Education, Pearson Learning and Wiley Education Services.[5]

As a form of for-profit outsourcing, OPM revenues are expected to grow from $4 billion in 2020 to $10 billion in 2025. Proponents of outsourcing from for-profit companies say that it "helps universities save money and makes them more nimble and efficient." Moody's Dennis Gephardt, however warns that "more and more are cutting closer to the academic core."[6]