Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Demand method | Projected demand | Effective supply | Unmet need | Additional seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEM intake expansion | Applicants × Yield | 1,734 | 356 | 1,378 | 1,451 |
| Advising services | Population × Interest | 2,160 | 900 | 1,260 | 1,326 |
| Stable demand planning | Population × Interest | 1,200 | 1,050 | 150 | 158 |
These examples show how assumptions change the gap and the seats required.
Formula Used
This calculator treats unmet need as the gap between projected demand and effective supply for the next cycle.
- Base demand:
Applicants × (Yield%/100)orPopulation × (Interest%/100) - Projected demand:
BaseDemand × (1 + Growth%/100)Years - Effective supply (next cycle):
(Capacity + Expansion) × (Utilization%/100) − CurrentEnrollment × (Retention%/100) - Unmet need:
max(0, ProjectedDemand − EffectiveSupply) - Additional seats required:
UnmetNeed ÷ (Utilization%/100) - Weighted unmet score:
UnmetNeed × PriorityWeight
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a demand method: population-based or applicant-based.
- Enter capacity, current enrollment, utilization target, and retention.
- Add a growth rate and time horizon for future planning.
- Set cost per seat to estimate the budget impact.
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF from results.
FAQs
1) What does “unmet need” mean here?
It is the estimated number of students who want seats or services but cannot be supported by effective next-cycle capacity under your operational assumptions.
2) How should I choose a demand method?
Use applicants when you have reliable request data. Use population and interest rate when demand is broader, early-stage, or when applicants undercount those who would enroll if options improved.
3) Why do retention and current enrollment matter?
Seats are not fully open each cycle. Higher retention means more seats remain occupied, reducing the number available for new entrants or new service recipients.
4) What if utilization is below 100%?
Utilization reflects staffing limits, scheduling, and operational constraints. Lower utilization reduces effective supply, often increasing unmet need even when headline capacity looks large.
5) How do I interpret the unmet need percentage?
It is unmet need divided by projected demand. A higher percentage means a larger share of demand is not served under your scenario assumptions.
6) Can I use this for advising, labs, or housing?
Yes. Treat “seats” as service slots, advising appointments, lab benches, or beds. Use realistic utilization and cost per slot for that service.
7) What does the weighted unmet score do?
It multiplies unmet need by a priority weight so you can compare scenarios where some gaps are more urgent, regulated, or mission critical than others.
8) What is included in the CSV and PDF exports?
Exports include your inputs, calculated outputs, notes, currency choice, and a timestamp. Run a calculation first so the latest scenario is saved for download.