Data and analytics continue to serve as a critical foundation for institutional strategy, decision-making, and student success in higher education. In fact, with the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, data and analytics has never been more pivotal…or complex. Institutions are navigating mounting financial pressures, shifting enrollment patterns, evolving regulatory landscapes, and urgent calls for the ethical and transparent use of data. While data capabilities are expanding at a staggering pace, generative AI, advanced analytics, and integrated data ecosystems introduce both profound opportunities and significant risks. The future of institutional effectiveness, student success, and innovation will hinge on how well colleges and universities adapt their data strategies to this changing environment.This 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Data and Analytics Edition examines how emerging trends, technologies, and practices are reshaping the higher education data landscape. Grounded in the expertise of a panel of global higher education data and analytics professionals, the report surfaces both the external forces shaping the field and the innovations most likely to define its future.This report distills those insights into a forward-looking perspective on how the thoughtful use of data and analytics can position institutions for efficiency, agility, and impact in an uncertain future.
