* Students (prospective and current): While students are often considered *internal* customers in some organizational contexts, from a broader perspective, they are *external* customers of the college's educational services.
* Parents of students: They are paying customers (often), and their satisfaction is crucial for the college's reputation and future enrollment.
* Employers: Colleges provide a workforce for the community. Employers are external customers in that they are receiving graduates and, potentially, participate in internship programs or other collaborations.
* Alumni: While having a connection to the college, alumni are considered external customers as they are recipients of services such as networking opportunities, career support, and fundraising solicitations.
* Government agencies: These provide funding and regulations, making them key external customers whose needs and expectations must be met.
* Community members: Colleges often offer services or facilities to the wider community through workshops, continuing education programs, events, or use of athletic facilities.
* Donors and philanthropists: They provide crucial financial support, making them valued external customers.
* Researchers and industry partners: Colleges often collaborate on research projects, making these entities external customers benefiting from the college's resources and expertise.
Essentially, anyone who interacts with the college and whose satisfaction is important to its success and sustainability is considered an external customer.