Higher education is undergoing the most exciting revolution in centuries. The rapid adoption of new technology and increased competition have forced colleges to create new educational models — and they’re designed to meet the needs of the students. No longer does location, stage of life or financial ability limit your opportunity to get an excellent education.

For decades, universities dictated how, when and where students had to learn. They held a monopoly on the keys to a better life. And they used that power to raise tuition and fees to really absurd levels.

The average four-year degree from a private institution now costs almost $200,000. It’s no wonder that 10 percent of student loans are at least 90 days delinquent. Well, what these institutions haven’t yet grasped is that the power has shifted, and students now have a choice.

Students can choose the type of degree, how much they’re willing to pay, the type of program — online, on campus, or both — and they can often complete the program without uprooting their lives. Colleges and universities have a choice to adapt or join the brick-and-mortar graveyard of the retail business.

At Southeastern University, we are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to delivering an affordable and accessible world-class education to every student — no matter their economic status or location. We make it our habit to listen to our students and our partners.

In the past five years alone, we’ve launched over 112 new campuses across the nation. This has drastically reduced the cost of tuition and allows students to remain in their communities. We’re responding to market needs by launching new programs (like coding and aviation) that will place our students into jobs immediately upon graduation. Currently, we’re investing in online certificate programs for jobs that don’t require traditional four-year degrees, and soon we will launch on-demand online masterclasses for professionals who need to learn specific skills. This is all in addition to our online degree programs and our primary campus in Lakeland, Florida, where thousands of students learn every day.

My advice, before you commit to a college, is to take a look at how the institution is building for its future. How are they partnering with industries and building around student needs? Because chances are, if the college has its head buried in the sand about its own future, it has its head buried about your future, too.