Margin Analysis: Turning Data Into a Program Strategy
July 14, 2026This webinar will provide a practical introduction to margin analysis for academic programs, with a focus on how institutions can use data to inform strategic decision making and strengthen financial sustainability. Explore how revenue, direct expenses, and indirect costs interact at the program and course levels, and how these dynamics can reveal efficiency opportunities and areas for targeted investment. Drawing on real-world higher education use cases, this session will highlight how margin analysis can support more transparent, consistent, and mission-aligned program evaluation processes.
The session will also demonstrate how the Program Economic Analysis (PEA) tool from Forvis Mazars can be used to operationalize margin analysis through interactive dashboards and integration into program assessment processes. In addition, see how PEA helps enable users to examine margins by program and course, analyze enrollment and cost drivers, and drill down into key performance indicators to identify actionable insights. By the end of the session, participants will better understand how to “follow the data” and translate financial insights into academic and operational strategies.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to:
- Describe the core components of academic program margin analysis, including revenue, direct costs, and indirect expense allocation.
- Use margin analysis to identify high- and low-margin programs and understand key performance drivers.
- Apply margin insights to inform strategic decisions related to program portfolio management, resource allocation, and operational improvements.
CPE Information
1.00 CPE Credit(s) (pending approval)
1 CPE credit (pending approval) in the Specialized Knowledge field of study may be awarded upon verification of participant attendance, during live broadcast.
Who’s This For
CFOs, CAOs, and other higher education administrators.
Prerequisites
None
Delivery Method
Group internet-based. Each attendee must be logged in and answer the poll questions to receive CPE credit.
Refund Policy
There is no fee associated with this event.
Program Level
Basic
Recommended Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Advanced Preparation
None
If you have concerns or would like information regarding program cancellation policies or CPE credit, contact us at [email protected].
Forvis Mazars, LLP is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.