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New Program Strategy: Go Deep, Not Wide
How to Strategically Expand Your Online Adult Degree Programs

So you’ve built a successful online adult degree program. No small feat. Now you need to keep your foot on the gas to keep the momentum going.

Your first instinct might be to “go wide” with your program expansion strategy by launching a variety of new, unrelated programs to pair with your successful offering. While this diversification strategy might reap great rewards for consumer packaged goods giants like Unilever and Procter & Gamble, higher education is different. Your institution is different.

I find myself making the following recommendation over and over again when it comes to expanding online degree programs: Go deep, not wide.

This means building upon the success of your existing program by developing specialized offerings within the same field. The “go deep” method might not be the most popular, but in my experience, it’s often the most effective. Let’s break it down further — or should I say, dig deeper — to see if this approach is right for your school.

What Does Going Wide Mean for Your Online Adult Degree Programs?

Let’s start with a hypothetical example: You have established a successful online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a positive reputation in the region.

Recently, you’ve heard cybersecurity and nursing degree programs are experiencing industry growth, so you decide to pursue programs in those areas next to build out a wider range of offerings.

Unfortunately, this strategic path can be a mistake. Here’s why:
- Lack of synergy among programs: When universities add new, unrelated programs, they often fail to create synergistic relationships among all their programs. Each program operates in isolation without benefiting from the shared resources, expertise, or cross-promotional opportunities that could exist if the programs were more aligned.
- Missed opportunities to leverage existing brand equity: Diversifying into new areas causes institutions to overlook the strength of their existing brand. A well-established program, like a thriving online MBA program, comes with significant brand recognition and trust that new programs lack.
However, expanding within the existing framework of business administration can allow for the amplification of this established brand equity, rather than starting from scratch with each new offering.

Why Going Deep Is More Effective

In higher education, the smart, strategic allocation of resources is crucial. You could put your institution’s limited resources toward a whole new program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or a Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. Or, you could just attach a new or adjacent offering to your successful online MBA program to channel your resources into an established program realm.

Forget efficacy for a moment. Which strategy sounds more efficient?

The good news is that going deep in one area of program offerings is often more effective and efficient. Instead of developing an entirely new adult degree program from scratch, you can simply add value to your existing online business program.

This might come in the form of added concentration options, such as MBA concentrations in entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, marketing, management, or strategic communications.

It could also involve adding another relevant degree program within the same area of study. For example, since you’re seeing a lot of success with your MBA program, you could add a finance or accounting degree program to build on the success and reputation of the established program.

Key Benefits of Going Deep With Your Online Adult Degree Programs

I’ve had experiences both ways: some institutions go wide, others go deep. For those that go wide, I’ve often seen siloed marketing efforts, inefficient allocations of resources, and sporadic and unpredictable enrollment. For those that go deep, I see the following benefits:

More Students Attracted

Broadened appeal for students already interested in the primary program: By offering more concentrations within a well-established program, or adjacent degrees within the same field, your institution can appeal to a broader range of interests and career goals within your current student audience base.

More options for prospective students due to increased specialization: Specialized degrees and concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career paths, making the program more attractive to applicants seeking focused expertise.

Increased Marketing Efficiency

Ability to leverage existing web pages and SEO for the main program: Concentration pages can be added as subpages to the main program’s page, which likely already has a strong search engine optimization (SEO) presence. This setup benefits from the existing search engine rankings and requires less effort than starting marketing from scratch for a new program.

Faster path to high search rankings for new concentrations, creating a marketing loop: The SEO efforts for the main program boost the visibility of the new concentrations, which in turn contribute to the overall authority and ranking of the main program’s page. This synergy creates a self-reinforcing cycle that enhances the visibility of all offerings.

Enhanced paid marketing efficiencies: Adding concentrations in areas where significant traffic already exists for broad terms — like “MBA,” “business degree,” or “finance degree” for an MBA program — allows institutions to more effectively utilize their paid advertising budgets. Expanding the program options for your existing traffic allows you to improve your click-to-lead conversion rates, increase your number of leads, and enhance your downstream successes in areas such as enrollments and completions. This approach allows for a more efficient use of marketing investments, providing more options for prospective students within the same budget.

Faster Accreditation Process

Streamlined accreditation process by expanding within an already accredited program: Adding concentrations within an existing program simplifies the accreditation process. Because the core program is already accredited, expanding it with concentrations requires fewer approvals and less bureaucracy than launching an entirely new program.

Ready to Go Deep With One of Your Online Adult Degree Programs?

If you’ve seen success with an online adult degree program offering, you’ve already taken a momentous step toward growth — which is something to be proud of. It also creates massive opportunity, and Archer Education is poised to help you capitalize on it.

Archer is different from other agencies. We work as your online growth enablement partner, helping you to foster self-sufficiency over the long haul through collaboration, storytelling, and cutting-edge student engagement technology.

We’ve helped dozens of institutions increase enrollment and retention through a going deep approach, and your institution could be next. And once you’ve solidified the reputation and success of your core online offering by going deep, we’ll be ready to help you pivot to a wider approach to expand your position in online learning.

Contact us today to learn more about what Archer can do for you.

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November 5, 2024
How to write MBA Student Resume with Keywords
Creating a resume for a mba fresher student can be a crucial step in launching your career or getting your first job.

Rememder that HR Recruiter have only 3-5 seconds to review your resume on job portals. So you should start your resume with
- Name –
- Email –
- Phone Number –
- Linkedin ID – Create a Impressive Portfolio that highlights your internship experience or github projects. If you have recommendations from past employer or friends from same domain experience is a bonus. Todays most HR recruiters try to find your extra carricular activity like NGO or charity work you have done during your college days or activity on linkedin post.
A strong cover page details or job objective for 4 lines is a must. This is the section recruiters read before downloading your resume from portal. You should change this section every 7 days to keep it fresh and up-to-date.

For experienced candidates, write a summary that highlights your professional identity and major achievements in your present job or intership that increased companies profitability will help you get job interview calls faster.

A well-structured resume template format in word format highlights your education, skills, and any relevant experience, even if it’s limited. Below is a guide to help you craft an effective resume that can help you to get inverview calls faster.

Do not discuss your salary expectation in direct figure. Give a salary range depending upon job responsibility.

Just change the following details on the releveant field and upload on job sites like naukri, indeed or linkedin.
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November 5, 2024
Enrollment Management Software: Enhance Student Experience

Tune In To Our Audio Blog

Introduction

Enrollment management is the core function of any educational institution. It involves not merely processing applications but also influencing students’ futures and facilitating a smooth experience from the initial expression of interest in your institution. This work can frequently appear daunting for registrars.

You are responsible for the daily management of extensive documentation, the navigation of complex systems, and the pursuit of ensuring that each student feels supported and welcomed. Nevertheless, it is clear that a straightforward routine can be transformed into a substantial inconvenience by manual procedures, communication failures, and data management complications.

Enrollment management software is thus critically essential in this context. This robust solution is engineered to confront the difficulties you encounter directly, facilitating process optimization and improving the student experience. We will be addressing student enrollment issues faced by registrars during registration and investigate how an appropriate software solution might significantly benefit both your staff and the students you assist. Let us engage collaboratively to address these concerns.

Common Pain Points in Enrollment Management

Since we are all aware that enrollment management is a genuine challenge, let us discuss some of the most significant sore points you encounter. And rest assured, you are not alone in this. A whopping 67% of registrars report feeling overwhelmed by manual processes and documentation, as indicated by a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). We can deconstruct a few of these “student enrollment issues” for you!

Manual Procedures and Paperwork

Manual data entry can be inordinately time-consuming, as we are all aware. No matter how diligently you propel, you appear to make minimal progress when endeavoring to swim upstream. Disorganized spreadsheets, handwritten notes, and stacks of forms not only impede productivity but also heighten the probability of errors. In reality, organizations that implement manual processes may allocate up to 30% more time to administrative duties than those that adhere to automated systems. Imagining the potential of that additional leisure!

Lack of Real-Time Data Access

How frequently do you wait for info before making a big decision? Real-time data is essential in today’s fast-paced educational environment. Working with obsolete or delayed data might slow your response to student needs and strategic opportunities. According to a recent research, 56% of registrars said delayed data retrieval hindered decision-making. Yikes!

Communication Gaps

Communicating can be like playing broken telephone. Departments and students can lose vital information, causing confusion and frustration. Critical updates may not reach the appropriate people at the right time. Eduventures found that 43% of enrollment officers have communication gaps, which affect student happiness and engagement.

Poor Application Tracking

How often have you yearned for a magic wand to effortlessly track application statuses? Finding a needle in a haystack might be difficult without a system. Incomplete applications, missing paperwork, and inability to track progress can stress registrars and students. College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) found that 62% of registrars struggle with application monitoring, delaying admissions and missing student prospects.

Few Reports and Analytics

Let’s conclude with data analysis—or lack thereof. How can you examine trends and patterns to inform enrollment plans if your reporting capabilities are limited? You must estimate what works and what doesn’t without complete data. According to an AACRAO poll, 70% of registrars want better reporting tools to guide their strategy.

That’s it. These typical issues can severely affect enrollment management and the student experience. Do not worry! The correct enrollment management software can address these issues. Explore how it can streamline your procedures and improve everyone’s experience.

How Can Universities Reduce Pain Points in the Student Enrollment Process Using Enrollment Management Software?

Say Goodbye to Paperwork with Automation

It’s no secret that entering data by hand and dealing with piles of papers can be a real pain. By bettering these steps, enrollment management software takes that load off your shoulders. You could save a lot of time if you let the software do the boring work. That way, you could focus on what really matters: helping kids and making their experience better.

Have insights at your fingertips in real time

Delayed data can make it hard to make quick choices. When you use registration management software, you can get to important data at any time. You don’t have to wait for reports or changes anymore. You can get instant information that helps you make decisions right away.

Talk to people in other departments without any problems

Communication is very important in a busy registration office, which we all know. These systems come with built-in ways to talk to each other and kids, so everyone stays in touch. There will be less confusion and knowledge will flow more easily, which is good for everyone.

Master Application Tracking

There shouldn’t be any element of guesswork involved in monitoring applications. Using the application tracking features provided by enrollment management software, you can easily keep tabs on the status of each application in real time.

The outcome = you can stay organized plus give ultimate experience to applicants that they demand.

Master the Art of Advanced Reporting for Radical Insights

Data is your greatest ally when enhancing enrollment strategies. Enrollment management software’s powerful reporting and analytics features help you gain valuable insights into patterns and outcomes. This simply implies that you may influence your organization’s success through data-driven decisions.

Advanced Reporting Provides Powerful Insights

Data is your best friend for enrollment strategy improvement. Advanced reporting and analytics in enrollment management software let you analyze trends and outcomes. You can use data to make decisions that affect your institution’s success.

What Enrollment Management Software Can Do for You, Registrar! Additional Benefits

Easily Create Compliance Reports: No more scrambling during audits. With built-in reporting tools, you’ll have audit-ready reports at your fingertips.

Create Compliance Reports with No Effort: No more rushing through audits. Built-in reporting features will let you have audit-ready reports right at hand.

Reduced Human Errors: Automate data entry and tracking to greatly lower errors that might pass through in-hand procedures.

Access Real-Time Enrollment Data: Real-time updates will keep you current with enrollment figures, so guiding quick, wise selections.

Secure Student Data: Forget data breaches. Cloud storage ensures security and compliance, providing you peace of mind.

Make Reviewing Applications Easy: Let the program indicate critical details so you may focus on the big picture instead of sorting through heaps of papers.

Get Everyone on One Agenda: Forget about departmental conflicts. Centralized data guarantees that everyone has the same information, so facilitating smooth teamwork.

Create Methodologies That Fit You: Customize the system to fit the demands of your university so the enrolling process seems seamless, quick, and completely customized.

Engage Students More: Use the software’s chat features to keep students up to date and interested throughout the whole process.

Scale operations easily: The software adapts to your needs, so you don’t have to worry about losing accuracy or speed as the number of enrollments goes up or down.

Wrapping It Up: Boost Enrollment Management with the Right Tool from Creatrix Campus

At the heart of improving the student experience is how well you manage enrollment. We know the pain points—manual processes, communication breakdowns, and keeping track of every application can slow you down. As a registrar, you’re juggling enough already. Why not make things easier?

Enrollment management software helps. We simplify operations, improve collaboration, and provide real-time data access, so you can focus on delivering a successful student journey. When modernizing your system, Creatrix Campus includes everything a modern registrar needs to ease the process. Contact our staff for more!

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November 5, 2024
The Enrollment Shift: Strategies for Engaging the Modern Learner

Meet Maria. A recent high school graduate with her sights set on a career in web development, Maria surprised her family by choosing a six-month accelerated certificate program at a local community college over a traditional four-year computer science degree. Why? Because Maria, like many of today’s learners, prioritizes a fast track to career readiness, affordability and the flexibility to learn at her own pace. She’s not alone. This trend is playing out across the country, forcing institutions to rethink their approach to attracting and retaining students.

Maria’s story exemplifies the enrollment shift happening in higher education. Greg Clayton, the President of the EMS division of EducationDynamics says: “Higher education isn’t collapsing, it’s shifting. Schools must adapt to meet the evolving needs of today’s students or they will be left behind.” This shift is driven by a confluence of factors, from changing demographics to evolving student priorities and the rise of new technologies.

Changing How We Think About the Coming Enrollment Cliff

As we covered earlier this year in our blog post about the Enrollment Cliff, higher education is about to come up against a demographic shift that will impact first-year enrollment, starting with the Fall 2025 class. With this demographic “apocalypse” just on the horizon, all eyes and thoughts have been on what to do about a shrinking pool of 18-year-olds looking to start their first year of college.

However, as research from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) indicates, we may be looking at an Enrollment Shift that is happening concurrently with the Enrollment Cliff. The latest NSC data for 2024 shows that while enrollment rose 3% overall for the Fall 2024 term over the Fall 2023 term, Fall enrollment for incoming freshmen is down across all institutions at an average of 5%. To be clear, we have not hit the Enrollment Cliff yet. The importance of this data cannot be overemphasized. If 18-year-olds are already considering waiting or taking alternate paths to the workforce and obtaining a degree, the demographic shift will hit that much harder, over a longer period of time.

Digging further into the data reveals even more startling numbers, which show larger shifts in enrollment trends based on economic background. Compared to Fall 2023 enrollment, institutions which have a high percentage of students utilizing Pell grants, the retraction for both publics and private non-profits is over 10%. From the students’ perspective, “middle” income households are also seeing the steepest decline, at 8%.

So what does this tell us? It is telling us that the background noise over the past 5-7 years regarding the cost of getting a degree, the methodology with which they are achieved and the career/economic outcomes afterward are absolutely being reflected by the decisions people are making who are most impacted by these economic realities. It is telling us that the current model is not working, it is unsustainable – it is untenable for the students and it is untenable for the schools that are supposed to support them. Match this massive regression in the market with the actual Enrollment Cliff and the numbers are more than startling. It is in the millions, compounded by each year of subsequent birth decline.

And what is making up for this loss in incoming freshmen? As we have stated before, it is being fueled by a surge in “non-traditional” students – adult learners, international students and those returning to college to upskill or reskill. These students bring with them a wealth of experience and a clear sense of purpose, but they also have unique needs and expectations. Institutions must be prepared to cater to this growing population by offering programs and services that align with their goals and lifestyles.

Furthermore, the “some college, no credential” (SCNC) population, now numbering 36.8 million, represents a significant opportunity for higher education institutions. Re-enrollment among this group increased by 9.1% in the 2022-2023 academic year, demonstrating a growing desire for continued education and career advancement. Reaching out to this population and providing clear pathways for degree completion can be a valuable strategy for boosting enrollment and serving a population eager to advance their careers.

It’s also important to recognize that age is no longer a predictor of learning modality. Many younger students, like Maria, are opting for part-time enrollment, online programs, or alternative credentials that offer a quicker path to employment. The Modern Learner, regardless of age, demands flexibility and relevance. They are digital natives, accustomed to accessing information and services online and they expect the same level of convenience and personalization from their educational experiences.

The Rising of the Modern Learner Era

To thrive in this new era, consider some of these strategies higher education institutions to adapt to the needs of the Modern Learner.

Offer Flexible Learning Options

Expand online and hybrid learning modalities to cater to students who need flexibility in their schedules and learning environment. Offer evening, weekend and accelerated programs to accommodate those balancing work and family commitments. Provide multiple start dates throughout the year to allow students to enroll when it’s convenient for them. Consider incorporating modalities like microlearning and self-paced learning to further cater to individual needs. Offer mobile-friendly learning platforms and resources to allow students to learn on the go.

Focus on Career Relevance

Develop programs that align with current and future workforce needs. Partner with employers to offer internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences that provide students with practical skills and industry connections. Embed industry-recognized certifications within degree programs to enhance their value and marketability. Actively promote career services, networking events and alumni mentorship programs to connect students with career opportunities. Conduct regular labor market analyses to ensure programs are aligned with current and emerging industry trends.

Make Education More Affordable

Increase the availability of scholarships and financial aid to help students manage the cost of education. Explore tuition discounts for employees of partner organizations to incentivize upskilling and reskilling. Promote tuition payment plans to make education more accessible to those with limited financial resources. Consider offering income-share agreements or other innovative financing models to align the cost of education with future earning potential. Provide clear and transparent information about tuition costs and financial aid options.

Provide Robust Student Support Services

Offer personalized academic advising and career counseling to help students navigate their educational journey and achieve their career goals. Provide support for students balancing work, family and other commitments, such as childcare resources, online tutoring and flexible scheduling options. Create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment where all students feel supported and valued. Offer mental health services, accessibility resources and dedicated support for diverse student populations, including first-generation students, veterans and students with disabilities.

Streamline the Transfer Credit Process

Implement a clear and transparent transfer credit policy to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits from other institutions. Adopt a generous policy on accepting transfer credits, recognizing the value of prior learning and experience. Provide dedicated support for SCNC students to help them navigate the re-enrollment process and complete their degrees. Consider implementing prior learning assessment (PLA) programs to grant credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional classroom. Develop partnerships with community colleges and other institutions to create seamless transfer pathways.

Leverage Technology to Enhance the Student Experience

Use data analytics to personalize communication and support, tailoring messages and interventions to individual student needs. Implement user-friendly online platforms for course registration, financial aid and other services, making it easy for students to access information and complete tasks. Offer on-site chat options on school websites to provide immediate assistance and answer questions in real-time. Explore the use of AI-powered chatbots to provide 24/7 support and personalized guidance. Utilize virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to create immersive learning experiences.

Embracing the Enrollment Shift

The future of higher education depends on its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the Modern Learner. Institutions that embrace flexibility, affordability, career relevance and student-centered approaches will be well-positioned for success.

It’s time to embrace the enrollment shift. By understanding the motivations and priorities of today’s students, higher education can evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This requires a shift in mindset, from a focus on traditional models of education to a more agile, responsive and student-centric approach.

EducationDynamics is your partner in navigating this changing landscape. We provide the expertise and solutions you need to attract, enroll and retain Modern Learners. Contact us today to learn more.

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November 4, 2024
Unpacking the Transition to College

Title: High School Benchmarks

Source: National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Each year, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports on the transition from high school to college. The latest report finds that as we move further away from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, policy and practice are reverting to “normalcy,” though there are still lasting inequities in student outcomes.

Throughout the report, the authors group high school graduates by several metrics to illustrate the nuances of the transition from high school to postsecondary education, using high school characteristics such as poverty level, income level, urbanicity, share of minority students, and enrollment over time, along with college characteristics and student outcomes.

Key insights include:

High school income classification changes during COVID-19

In 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture allowed schools to provide student meals through the Summer Food Service Program rather than the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The number of students who qualify for NSLP is a key poverty indicator, so this change resulted in fewer schools classified as high-poverty and low-income. When NSLP resumed normal administration in 2023, school poverty levels reverted to pre-COVID-19 distributions.

Outcomes by high school graduating class

Rural high schools had the largest increase in immediate enrollment following high school graduation. In 2023, 54.8 percent of graduates from rural high schools enrolled in higher education immediately, a 0.9 percentage point increase from 2022 (53.9 percent).

Students who graduated from high-minority high schools in 2021 saw their first-to-second year persistence rates increase by 2.9 percentage points over students who graduated in 2020 (77.4 to 80.3 percent). Meanwhile, students from low-minority high schools’ first-to-second year persistence rates increased by 1.7 percentage points (85.2 to 86.9 percent).

Six-year completion rates among high-poverty high schools rose from the class of 2016 to the class of 2017 (24.5 to 25.1 percent), and completion rates among low-poverty high schools decreased (59.9 to 59.4 percent).

Outcomes by high school type

Across high school characteristics, the largest disparities in enrollment, persistence, and completion rates were between high- and low-poverty high schools. High-poverty and low-income high schools had the lowest first-to-second year persistence rates (76.0 and 78.3 percent, respectively), compared with their low-poverty and high-income counterparts (90.7 and 86.7 percent, respectively).

Disparities between high- and low-income schools widened when looking at schools with a high share of minority students. Whereas 66.5 percent of 2023 high school graduates from low-minority, high-income high schools enrolled in the first fall following graduation, only 52.1 percent of students from high-minority, low-income high schools did the same.

For the high school class of 2017, six-year postsecondary completion rates varied considerably across high school characteristics. The share of students graduating college within six years who attended low-poverty high schools was 34.3 percentage points higher than the share of students from high-poverty high schools (59.4 compared with 25.1 percent).

Enrollment by major

Across several high school characteristics, students from high-poverty, low-income high schools completed degrees in STEM fields at lower rates than students from low-poverty, high-income, low-minority high schools. Whereas 22.5 percent of students from low-poverty high schools completed their STEM degree within six years, only 7.8 percent of students from high-poverty high schools did the same. Moreover, 16.9 percent of students from low-minority high schools received their STEM degree within six years, compared with 10.6 percent of students from high-minority schools.

Among 2023 high school graduates, students from suburban high schools chose a major in business, management, marketing, and related support at a higher rate than students from rural and urban high schools (13.5 percent compared with 12.1 percent for rural and urban schools).

To view the data, click click here..

—Erica Swirsky

If you have any questions or comments about this blog post, please contact us.

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November 4, 2024
Families Use a Variety of Options to Keep Pace with Increasing College Tuition
Title: Covering the Tuition Bill: How Do Families Pay the Rising Price of College?

Author: Phillip Levine

Source: The Brookings Institution

The increasing costs of attendance at colleges and universities, especially higher “sticker prices,” have attracted attention from both families and policymakers. Although many families are not paying the full sticker prices due to financial aid, today’s families are still facing higher bills for postsecondary education.

A new analysis from the Brookings Institution examines the different funding sources that families use to pay for four-year nonprofit colleges and how these differ depending on family income. While the findings reflect the different limitations families face based on their incomes, they also suggest that rising net prices mean all households face additional hardships when their children enroll in college.

Key findings include:

Middle- and higher-income parents increasingly used their own income and savings.
- Between 1996 and 2008, payments to colleges from parents’ income and savings jumped by $1,500 to $4,600, depending on the family income and type of institution. These values likely increased again by several thousand from 2008-2020, but specific figures are not available.
Middle- and higher-income parents have borrowed more.
- Families with incomes below $50,000 and students attending private institutions saw the highest increases, an average of $1,200, in parents taking out loans from 2008 to 2020.
- Families with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 borrowed, on average, $800 more in parent loans for students attending public institutions between 2008 and 2020.
- Parents were more likely than students to take out education loans, especially between 1996 and 2008 and among middle- and higher-income families.
Students from lower-income backgrounds worked more.
- Payments to colleges with funds from student earnings increased among families with incomes under $50,000 from 1996-2008. Student earnings likely also covered the bulk of net price increases for lower-income families between 2008 and 2020.
- Students from families earning less than $50,000 enrolled at public institutions were six percentage points more likely to work in 2008 compared to in 1996.
These findings provide reassurance that increased student borrowing is not the primary resource for students to cover increased net prices at four-year colleges. Although the student debt crisis continues to gain attention as overall student loan debt has grown broadly, that increase is largely not occurring at four-year nonprofit institutions.

However, increased borrowing by parents, especially in middle- and higher-income families, is a trend worthy of more attention. Given that lower-income families may be unable to take on parental loans due to creditworthiness, parental borrowing can contribute to increased inequality as cost may prevent lower-income students from selecting the best school for them or from attending college at all. Middle- and higher-income families can face other significant consequences: If parents deplete their assets or save less, they may not be able to retire until they are older or have decreased retirement income.

To read the full report, click here.

—Austin Freeman

If you have any questions or comments about this blog post, please contact us.
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November 4, 2024
Which MBA Specialization will offer Highest Paying Jobs After MBA in India for 2025-2027 ?

1.MBA in Finance : Finance has consistently been one of the best-paying MBA specializations in India. Graduates with this specialization can pursue roles such as investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager. The core subjects include financial planning, corporate finance, risk management, and investment analysis.

Why it pays well: The financial services sector is always in high demand, and firms are willing to offer premium salaries to candidates who can manage financial risks and maximize profits.

Average Salary: Rs 10-15 lakhs per annum for fresh graduates, which can escalate significantly with experience.

2. MBA in Marketing : Marketing is another specialization known for its high-paying jobs. Professionals in this domain work on brand building, customer engagement, and sales strategies. Key subjects include consumer behavior, brand management, digital marketing, and advertising.

Why it pays well: Companies are always looking for innovative ways to capture market share, and they invest heavily in marketing experts to promote their brands.

Average Salary: Rs 8-12 lakhs per annum, with potential for higher earnings in senior roles such as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

3.MBA in Business Analytics: As companies become more data-driven, the demand for business analytics experts is skyrocketing. This specialization focuses on data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling, helping businesses make informed decisions.

Why it pays well: Data is the new currency, and firms need analytics experts to turn large datasets into actionable insights.

Average Salary: Rs 10-14 lakhs per annum, with senior roles in analytics and data science fetching even higher pay.

4.MBA in Information Technology (IT) : With the rise of digital transformation, IT management is one of the most in-demand MBA branches in India. Subjects covered include information systems, project management, and IT strategy.

Why it pays well: Technology drives innovation, and IT managers play a critical role in leading this transformation, which is highly valued across industries.

Average Salary: Rs 9-13 lakhs per annum for IT management graduates.

5.MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM) : While not traditionally considered among the highest-paying specializations, HRM is growing in demand due to the focus on talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development.

Why it pays well: Companies recognize the value of efficient human capital management, especially in competitive industries, and offer attractive salaries to top HR professionals.

Average Salary: Rs 7-11 lakhs per annum for HR professionals

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November 2, 2024
Student Engagement in Higher Education
How to Deliver a Personalized Experience Throughout the Student Journey

Imagine this: a prospective student fills out a request for information on your website, sharing personal details like their program of interest, transfer status, and intended start date. What happens next? Too often, the response is a generic email or text urging them to apply. Then, perhaps unsurprisingly, many institutions see declining contact rates and applications.

Delivering an engaging, personalized experience — at scale, across programs, and from the very first interaction — is no small feat. But it’s also essential in today’s competitive higher education landscape. While complex communication plans and sophisticated automation tools play a role, sometimes the simplest approach can make the biggest difference: Asking the right questions.

Focusing on the right questions can strengthen student relationships, increase lead-to-application rates, and even drive application-to-enrollment success, helping institutions connect personally with students and boost engagement at every stage of their journey.

What Is Student Engagement in Higher Ed?

Before we can start asking students questions, we must first ask ourselves an obvious question: What is student engagement?

Engagement rates are metrics that show how actively involved your audience is with your content. By tracking specific metrics, your institution can analyze the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. You should track the number of people who interact with your follow-up communications: whether they open, click, respond to, or visit a website.

Every interaction a prospective student has with your institution’s website, social media posts, texts or emails, and other digital content generates data that you can use to capture information about leads (prospective students) and better understand and optimize future marketing efforts.

Tracking and analyzing “clicks” can tell you:
- If prospects are opening, clicking, responding to emails or texts, answering calls, and otherwise interacting with your institution — leading indicators of intent to apply and even enroll
- Which prospects are the most engaged — so you can prioritize communications with them while your brand is top of mind
At Archer, we’ve seen clients have 44% higher application-to-start rates and 33% higher application rates when prospective students engage with an institution’s post-inquiry communication. This makes for an efficient use of resources, as you’ve already generated the inquiry. A bump in conversion rates can go a long way in stretching a limited budget.

One Simple Thing You Can Do to Increase Student Engagement

Imagine you have the opportunity to meet with every prospective student in person for coffee. What would you do? How would you engage with them? You’d probably begin to build rapport by asking them lots of questions.

A digital meetup should be treated no differently than an in-person engagement. “Digital” is simply another method of communication. Granted, you’re not able to sit at your computer and chat online with every prospect, but in terms of how to interact and build student engagement, you should think of it the same way: as a two-way conversation.

Simply put, stop talking at prospective students and start communicating with them.

As much as you’re tempted to begin by telling them how great your school and program are, it’s best to first understand where a student is coming from and what they’re looking for.

At Archer, our team and our proprietary end-to-end student support solution — called Onward — are available to students 24/7. Built exclusively for the student journey, Onward collects and analyzes data on digital student engagement and optimizes digital student communication with a goal of increasing post-inquiry engagement. It has taught us a lot.

We’ve found that one of the most impactful things we can do in our follow-up communication with students to boost engagement rates — at any stage of the student lifecycle — is to ask questions. Indeed, in follow-up exchanges where we ask students specific questions (and provide an option to answer directly in that communication), we see click-through rates 42% higher than average.

It’s Not Too Late to Start Asking Questions

Even if you’ve already missed a key opportunity to ask questions of new prospects, circling back to get to know them better at any point in their student journey can have an impact.

Working with our partner Peru State College, we started sending a “What’s holding you back?” email to prospective students who weren’t taking the next step forward. The email not only asked “What’s holding you back from enrolling with us?” but also let the recipient click on an answer. For that email, we saw an average open rate of 16% — which doesn’t look too impressive until you consider these prospects had stopped engaging — and, more importantly, an average 33% click-through rate (with a majority of clicks leading to “apply now” pages). Not only did the email help the college reconnect with “lost” students, but we learned how to better connect with unconverted prospects going forward.

The email allowed us to determine who was stopping out and why.
- The top reason for not moving forward was related to finances (35%).
- More than 20% of prospective students had enrolled elsewhere.
- 5% said they weren’t ready to enroll yet but wanted to attend in the future.
These insights informed our follow-up digital communication, as well as our one-on-one admissions team follow-up. As a result, we reengaged with a meaningful percentage of stopped-out prospects by understanding some of their challenges and following up with relevant information. Moreover, 20% of this audience took action by clicking to start or finish their application and/or call an admissions rep.

Student Engagement Strategies for Every Higher Ed Stage

We used this same engagement strategy for first-time students enrolled in Peru State College’s online programs. Before we could view information in our partner’s learning management system to see if students were showing up for class or turning in assignments — leading indicators of student success — we wanted to check in with these new students directly to ask how their first week was going. The email asked, “How are you feeling about your first week?”

This email had an average open rate of 71% and an average click-through rate (CTR) of 31%.

Using a similar email, Archer helped another partner intervene to help 14 students who had indicated they weren’t having the best first-week experience. By asking follow-up questions to learn what wasn’t working for them, and forwarding that information to our admissions team, we were able to connect those students with a success coach at the university.

Optimize Student Engagement at Your Higher Education Institution

Higher-ed marketers and enrollment professionals know from experience that the success of every student is important to an institution’s long-term success. Providing a more personalized and engaging student experience can have a positive impact on enrollment growth and student retention.

It’s time for you to start having meaningful digital conversations that make an impact.

While Archer Education uses Onward, our easily scalable end-to-end student support solution, to deliver personalized communication and tailored post-inquiry follow-up 24/7, you don’t need a sophisticated lead nurturing tool to improve your student engagement strategies. Simply start asking questions in your communication with students and provide them with an easy way to respond.

Want to learn more about how to modernize your student experience and increase enrollment and retention rates with Archer’s Onward student support solution? Reach out to us and learn more today.
Angie Mohr

Director of Marketing & Communications

Angie Mohr is the senior vice president of student engagement at Archer Education. With a background in marketing, communications, and CRM and marketing automation, she has over 15 years of strategic communications and higher education experience. In her current role at Archer Education, a full-service marketing and enrollment solutions provider for higher education institutions, Angie focuses on supporting student acquisition and life cycle delivery services, utilizing scalable communications strategies and technologies to help prospective students engage, enroll, and persist in their student journey.

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November 1, 2024
Online Presence for Academics Attending Virtual Events
I love virtual events. Maybe you do too. But it’s okay if you don’t. As my guest on The Social Academic, Dr. Julia Barzyk said, “research is becoming virtual first.” Virtual events are here to stay when it comes to academics and researchers.

Your online presence can enhance how you experience and interact with people at conferences and events. This is true for both in person and virtual events. But today, I want to chat with you about what to do for your online presence when you’re attending or presenting virtually. In this blog post:
Tell people you’re attending the virtual conference or event

Watch my video on speaker bios with Dr. Echo Rivera

Share about the specific talks you’re presenting or attending

Connecting with speakers and attendees virtually
Tell people you’re attending the virtual conference or event

Sometimes, professors hesitate to tell people you’re going to a conference or event because it feels self-promotional.

But, actually, when you share you’re headed to an event (even when it’s virtual), you help a lot of people. You can help your
- Colleagues
- Students
- event organizers
- Speakers
There are also people who are anxious to join the conversation. Conference attendees sometimes wait for someone, anyone else to use the conference hashtag on social media first. I get that. It can be hard to start a conversation.

When you think about the people you have the potential to help? Thinking about those people helps the time I’ve put into crafting a post be a lot more meaningful. My professor clients have found that’s true for them too.

Here are a few places you can share you’re headed to a virtual event:
- Social media
- Your website
- Mentioning in person
Tip: The most dynamic way you can improve your online presence and your presence at any event you’re presenting at is by improving your speaker bio.

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Watch my video on speaker bios with Dr. Echo Rivera

Share about the specific talks you’re presenting or attending

When you share the talk you’re presenting specifically, it helps people know if they can attend. If they can attend (or even if they can’t), it helps people share the event with others who may be interested. Like their grad students.

Sometimes conference programs are hundreds of pages and multiple days, with concurrent sessions to choose from. I love that virtual events tend to come with options to plan your schedule in advance.

Let’s say you share your talk on social media too. And, you use the conference hashtag. Only a small percentage of the people presenting are using the conference hashtags (or posting about their talk at all). Already it’s more likely you’ll get eyes on your event.

When you share the details people need to know if the talk is right for them, things like
- What your session is about
- The time and date you’re presenting at
- Where people can find more info
It makes a huge difference for people to have ease when learning about your particular event. Some professors make a graphic on Canva, but virtual events tend to create graphics for you. So it’s a good idea to log into the conference platform early to see if there’s a visual way for you to enhance your social media post about your talk. It’s also worth asking the conference hosts if that’s something they plan on having to avoid unnecessary labor (unless you love graphic design, in which case yay!).

I’ve also worked with a lot of professors who host or moderate events. Sometimes they have multiple events and presentations at the same conference over several days. There’s an inclination to not share their own thing, so it’s okay if you find comfort in sharing the thing you’re hosting instead. It makes a big difference for the panelists or speakers at your event.

The truth is, people often wait to share about themselves until the last minute (if they ever do). I think that’s often because of either imposter syndrome or time. As a host, you care about this. And you can help make it easy for the speakers at your event to share with ease when you tag them. It’s much easier to repost than to craft it themselves.

Tips for your social media post reach the right people
- Use the conference hashtag using #CamelCase where you capitalize the first letters of each word
- Use up to 1 other hashtag related to your field at the end of your post
- Tag the event organizer or conference host
- Tag the speakers
Visit Accessible Social from Alexa Heinrich for best practices for writing accessible social media posts.

When you have a link where people can learn more info about your talk or event, please know that most social media algorithms downgrade how many people it shows your post to when you include a link in your post. When you have a link to share, one way to do that is by including the link in the comments or replies of your post. For Twitter/X, you can include the link in a thread.

Here’s more on sharing your talk or conference presentation on social media.

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The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
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Connecting with speakers and attendees virtually

At virtual events, connecting with people in ways that are lasting can actually be easier. That’s because virtual events have virtual platforms where you can have a profile, get a link to click on to find someone’s social media or website, or download their slides/resources. Virtual events may have networking sessions, pre or post events, and ways for you to stay involved.

Most virtual events have a space for you to create a profile. Your profile helps people see you and get to know who you are. And when you update your profile early (like when access to them opens), you give people opportunity to learn about you as they’re updating their own profile.

One way to connect with people in advance is by adding an invitation in your bio. For example:
- Adding a scheduling link and inviting people to meet you for coffee
- Adding your email and inviting people to contact you if they are interesting in collaborating or networking
Some conferences have space for you to create your own virtual event (like a hangout with a shared topic of conversation).

There are also asynchronous ways to feel like you’re part of the community. For instance, the option to ask a Question to all attendees, or to create a poll. Some virtual conferences have games you can participate in. Or a scavenger hunt.

I love that virtual events can often create better environments to communicate with speakers as compared to in person conferences. When you’re in person, you have what, 10 minutes before your next session starts? Virtual allows for asynchronous options, giving you opportunity to ask questions to speakers before their session (even when you can’t make it live). There’s even space for speakers to upload resources and share links for you to take home.

When their session has ended, the chat space often stays so people can engage in conversations when watching the replay. And actually, don’t wait for someone else to do it first. If you’re at a virtual even and you see that no one has said anything in the chat (after the event has ended), you can start by thanking the speaker. You can build meaningful relationships with people virtually even when you don’t have a specific conversation or feel unsure of what to say at the moment. Every relationship doesn’t need to be built on something “big” or “deep” or “collaborative.” Do what feels natural.

Virtual events allow us to have more control, even when it comes to our schedule. I love the flexibility and accessibility they create for academics and researchers. And I know that for some people they’re maybe not your cup of tea. And that’s okay.

Whether you prefer virtual or in person events, there are ways for you to connect with people in meaningful ways online. And there are ways you can have agency with your online presence to help the people at that conference better know who you are and what you care about.

Looking for a great platform for your virtual event in HigherEd? Check out Forumm from my friends 448 Studio. Here’s my interview with founder, Dan Marrable.

Your online presence is a great way to share your research, teaching, and academic life. To find collaborators and make lasting connections. And I want that for you, if it’s something you’re curious about for yourself.

There are a lot of misconceptions about what your online presence should look like as a professor. And it stops people from feeling confident or comfortable showing up online, even when you know a strong online presence aligns with your goals.

There are free resources to help you be intentional with your online presence on The Social Academic blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. This article is specifically about your online presence before, during, and after your talk or presentation.

It’s also okay to want support from a partner who cares about you. Let’s chat about working together on your online presence as a professor or researcher.

Subscribe to The Social Academic blog.

The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
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Guides and Advice Articles Online Presence How To’s Resources for Grad Students Share Your Research Conferences and Events Online Presence Presentations Virtual Events

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October 31, 2024
What to Expect at Your First InsightsEDU Conference

Whether you’re new to higher education conferences or a seasoned professional looking for fresh expertise, InsightsEDU offers a truly unique experience. As one of the premier conferences focused exclusively on marketing and enrollment management growth, this event is perfectly poised to equip you with networking opportunities that cultivate your understanding of the latest trends and strategies shaping the higher education sector.

If you are attending InsightsEDU for the first time, you can look forward to a wealth of knowledge and connections that will enhance your career in higher education and spark new strategies for enrollment growth. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect and how to maximize your time at InsightsEDU 2025, taking place February 12-14, 2025 at The Ritz-Carlon in New Orleans, Louisianna.

The Purpose of InsightsEDU

InsightsEDU serves as a vital platform for higher education professionals to come together and explore the evolving landscape of marketing and enrollment. This conference provides attendees with knowledge and insights to specifically address the needs and preferences of the Modern Learner.

By focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students and institutions alike, InsightsEDU fosters a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, while empowering higher ed professionals to enhance their impact within their institutions.

Elevate Your Knowledge while Immersed in NOLA Atmosphere

The 2025 InsightsEDU Conference will take place in New Orleans, where attendees can look forward to valuable insights into the latest trends and strategies in higher education while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city. With over 100 colleges and universities represented, including higher education marketers, enrollment managers, and university leaders, you’ll find plenty of chances to network with peers who share your interest and challenges in the realm of higher education.

We are committed to providing attendees with an unforgettable experience, and this year’s event will fully embrace the NOLA flair. Highlights include the Bourbon Street Bash, featuring a lively parade, a reception at Bourbon Vieux, and a live jazz performance, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in New Orleans’ culture.

This conference promises to blend professional development with the vibrant atmosphere that New Orleans has to offer, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for attendees.

Dive into Engaging Sessions

With over 38 sessions lined up, InsightsEDU 2025 offers a diverse range of learning opportunities, from keynote speeches and panel discussions to hands-on workshops. Sessions cover important topics related to emerging marketing trends, enrollment strategies, and evolving student demographics.

Sessions like “The Evolving Expectations of the Modern Learner” will explore how institutions can adapt to better serve today’s students, while “From Waitlist to Wins: Creative Strategies to Streamline Admissions & Maximize Enrollment” will share tactics for optimizing the enrollment experience. Additionally, the session “Mapping Content to the Student Journey: A Strategic Approach to Persona-Driven Marketing” will provide insights into aligning your marketing strategies with the needs and preferences of prospective students. These are just a few examples of the many sessions tailored to address the challenges and opportunities facing higher education.

With sessions led by over 40 experts in the field, InsightsEDU offers attendees invaluable access to innovative ideas and proven best practices, ensuring you leave the conference equipped with actionable insights to enhance your marketing and enrollment strategies.

Making the Most of Networking Opportunities

Networking is integral to the InsightsEDU experience, and we’ve crafted ample opportunities for you to connect with peers across disciplines, institutions, and roles. Sessions are designed to focus on the most timely and impactful topics in higher education, aiming to spark innovation and the exchange of ideas among peers. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to gain fresh insight into shared challenges, while fostering genuine connections and unlocking potential solutions.

In addition to these structured moments, dedicated networking breaks and social events provide relaxed spaces to further connect with conference attendees. These moments are designed to cultivate conversations that can lead to valuable professional connections and collaborations. Networking takes many forms at InsightsEDU, with multiple touchpoints designed to cultivate meaningful connections. New sessions, like the “Flow Into Focus: A Yoga Journey for Modern Minds,” hosted by Dr. Jodi Blinco, offer a refreshing way to balance professional growth and personal wellness. This unique session creates another valuable opportunity to connect with peers in a relaxed setting, adding a fresh dimension to the conference experience.

To help you make the most of these opportunities, we encourage you to use the conference app as a resource. The app offers features that allow you to connect directly with colleagues, participate in discussion forums, and access the conference agenda, all of which support your networking efforts while keeping you informed. InsightsEDU is the perfect setting to expand your network and engage meaningfully with fellow higher ed professionals navigating today’s landscape.

Unlock New Opportunities at InsightsEDU

With February right around the corner, now is the perfect time to register for this premier higher education conference dedicated to empowering and igniting innovation within the sector. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow professionals. By actively participating and embracing the conference atmosphere, you can make the most of your experience, gain practical skills, and build meaningful connections.

Are you ready to be part of this invaluable event? Register by December 13^th to enjoy the early-bird rate and secure discounted attendance for you and your team!

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October 30, 2024