Navigating the “Great Cliff”

A resource guide for psychology programs
Older professor sitting at wooden table surrounded by diverse group of college students.

Executive summary

Psychology programs across the country face a significant enrollment challenge driven by demographic shifts, economic pressures, and changing student priorities. The “Great Cliff”— the projected substantial decline in the college-age population beginning in 2025—as well as other contextual factors threaten to impact psychology departments through reduced enrollment, strained resources, and other factors that raise questions about program sustainability.

This curated resource guide offers psychology educators essential tools that can address the challenges psychology programs are facing proactively. Rather than an exhaustive collection, we’ve selected the most impactful resources in four strategic areas:

  1. Demonstrating program value: Communicating the versatile skills and diverse career pathways that psychology education provides
  2. Strengthening transfer pathways: Improving transitions from community colleges to four-year psychology programs and from four-year college completion to graduate study in psychology and/or work
  3. Enhancing student retention: Keeping students engaged and committed to psychology majors
  4. Supporting faculty well-being: Maintaining educator effectiveness during institutional change

Related

How to use this guide

This resource is designed to be actionable rather than overwhelming. For each strategic area:

  • We’ve selected 5–7 high-impact resources
  • Each resource includes a brief explanation of its practical value
  • Quick implementation ideas suggest concrete first steps
  • Links provide direct access to materials

We recommend beginning with our brief self-assessment to identify your department’s priority areas, then focusing on the corresponding section of the guide. Rather than attempting to implement all suggestions simultaneously, select 1–2 strategies that align with your institutional context and available resources.

By taking targeted action now, psychology programs can not only weather the enrollment challenges ahead but potentially emerge stronger through clearer articulation of value, improved pathways, and enhanced student experiences.

Explore the resource guide

Teacher holding an iPad leading group discussion among other teachers.

Self-assessment

Determine which sections of the resource guide may be most relevant to your department
Smiling professor uses pen to point behind her at chalkboard during class.

Demonstrating program value

Communicate the versatile skills and diverse career pathways that psychology education provides
Young college student seated in lecture hall with overwhelmed expression on face.

Strengthening transfer pathways

Improve transitions from community colleges and to graduate study in psychology
Small group of ethnically diverse college students smiling at camera.

Enhancing student retention

Keep students engaged and committed to psychology majors
Older female professor leans against desk in classroom while staring out window.

Supporting faculty well-being

Maintain educator effectiveness during institutional change

Feedback or suggestions?

We welcome your feedback on this guide and any suggestions you may have regarding the inclusion of new resources.

Contact us