Creative Opportunites for Growth University-Based Retirement Communities

There has been a lot of buzz around University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRCs). Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry experts have predicted a rise in their number as both higher ed and senior living seek creative strategies for future vitality.

College-affiliated retirement communities, located on or near higher ed campuses, provide both entities with creative opportunities for mutual growth.  From an institution’s perspective, an ideal UBRC partnership can introduce a steady form of alternative revenue while supporting campus initiatives such as research, academic programs and community outreach.  Colleges also benefit from having an active pool of senior residents on campus as continuing education students, guest lecturers, research advisors, student mentors, club advisors and volunteers.

For senior living providers, a University-Based Retirement Community provides a differentiator in an increasingly competitive marketplace. A UBRC can provide instant branding and name recognition, as well as staffing resources in the form of student internships or part-time employment. There are the obvious benefits of authentic lifelong learning experiences and intergenerational interactions.  However, UBRC’s can also offer more robust athletic, recreational and performing arts amenities than a typical retirement community campus.