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Busting Roadblocks in the Community College Enrollment Cycle
Top Student Enrollment Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them

In my more than two decades of steering enrollment management at various institutions, I’ve seen students encounter numerous hurdles on their journey to and through higher education.

My experience has consistently shown that the decision to enroll is heavily influenced by four critical factors:
- The ease of the enrollment process
- A transparent path to graduation
- A reasonable time frame for degree completion
- A clear cost-benefit analysis of the educational offering
Understanding these priorities is critical to attracting and retaining students in the community college space. By aligning your enrollment strategies with the needs and expectations of prospective students, you can ensure a smoother, more engaging educational journey that benefits both the students and your educational institution alike.

Common Ease of Enrollment Roadblocks for Students

The pursuit of higher education is a daunting task in itself. When students encounter challenges at the enrollment phase — before the actual coursework even starts — it can be easy for them to bow out of the process altogether. To ensure that doesn’t happen, avoid these common pitfalls in the community college enrollment journey:

Complex Enrollment Processes
- Lengthy admissions procedures: Complicated and time-consuming application processes can frustrate new students, especially those unfamiliar with higher education procedures.
- Document submission delays: Students may struggle with gathering and submitting the required documents (e.g., transcripts, proof of residency) on time, leading to delays in their enrollment.
Orientation and Information Overload
- Overwhelming orientation sessions: While orientation programs are meant to help new students, they can be overwhelming if they cover too much information in a short time, leaving students confused about where to start.
- Missed information: Students may miss important information about resources, deadlines, and processes if the information is not communicated clearly, or if the students do not attend orientation sessions.
Confusing Websites
- Sites overloaded with information: Websites designed to serve multiple audiences — current students, alumni, faculty, and potential students — can make the inquiry stage difficult and confusing for prospective students. They may become frustrated as they struggle to find specific information or complete essential tasks, which can lead to them delaying or abandoning the process.
Placement Testing Delays
- Test scheduling issues: Placement tests in subjects like math and English are often required before students can register for classes, but delays in scheduling or students misunderstanding the requirements can slow down the process.
- Preparation for tests: Some students may need to brush up on certain skills before taking a placement test, and may be unaware of resources or study options available to them, making this a barrier for them.
How to Overcome Ease of Enrollment Roadblocks

So, those are the potential enrollment roadblocks for community college students. But what are the enrollment solutions? Solutions for overcoming enrollment roadblocks for community college students include the following:
- Create a “Future Students” platform: Build a page or digital experience that is 100% focused on educating and helping individuals who are simply exploring their educational options. Below are just a few examples of topics that prospective students might want to be able to easily find information about on your “Future Students” page or experience:
  
  When can I start?
  
  How much does it cost?
  
  What support services are available?
  
  What is the application process and deadline?
  
  What are the specific steps I need to take to be prepared for the start of the term?
  
  What happens after I apply?
- Create mobile-friendly applications: Simplify the application itself, and ensure that students can use their mobile device to complete the application, apply for financial aid, register for orientation and/or courses, and order their books.
- Apply technology solutions: Use simple and low-cost systems to track students’ progress through the onboarding process, identify at-risk students, and automate follow-up communications.
- Use data analytics: Analyze data to identify common drop-off points as new students navigate the onboarding process, and tailor interventions to address these specific challenges.
Common Clear Path to Graduation Roadblocks for Students

Now that you’ve mowed down the enrollment roadblocks, it’s time to ensure that the ride stays smooth. Remember, it’s never too late for students to change their direction. They might do so if these issues persist:

Course Registration Problems
- Limited course availability: Popular or required courses may fill up quickly, leaving new students without the courses they need, which can delay their academic progress.
- Complex registration systems: A complicated online registration system can be difficult for students to navigate, leading to errors or incomplete registrations.
- Prerequisite confusion: Understanding which courses have prerequisites and ensuring those are met can be a hurdle for new students unfamiliar with academic requirements.
Technology Barriers
- Difficulty navigating online platforms: New students may struggle with using the college’s online portals for registration, financial aid, course management, and other essential functions.
- Limited digital literacy: Students with limited experience using digital tools may face challenges in accessing online resources and completing necessary tasks.
How to Create a Clear Path to Graduation

Constructing a clear path to graduation isn’t easy, and with limited resources, it can be difficult to avert every bump in the road. But in my experience, you can keep most students on track by focusing on these two key areas:
- Create academic maps: Complete an analysis that maps out all of your institution’s programs, courses, campuses, modalities, and times of day (day versus evening courses). Make sure all students can clearly see what courses they need as well as how, when, and where they can take the courses in order to reach their educational goals.
- Make integration the top priority: Really cool software options exist that are designed to help students stay on track. But if they don’t integrate with your existing systems, steer clear. You’re only going to confuse your students with disjointed information.
Common Reasonable Degree Completion Roadblocks for Students

You’ve cleared two major hurdles by easing the enrollment process and creating a clear path to graduation. But you’re only halfway home. Here are some common mistakes institutions make when it comes to the time it takes to complete a degree:

Inadequate Academic Advising
- Limited access to advisors: New students often need guidance on how to choose the right courses, but they may struggle to get timely appointments with academic advisors due to high demand.
- Lack of personalized guidance: Some students receive generic advising that doesn’t take their individual needs and goals into account, leading to poor course selection or misaligned academic paths.
Lack of Clear Communication
- Inconsistent information: Conflicting messages from different departments (e.g., admissions, financial aid, advising) can create confusion and frustration among students.
- Unclear next steps: Students may not know what steps to take after completing their initial tasks, which can lead to delays in moving forward with the enrollment process.
Social and Emotional Challenges
- Anxiety and uncertainty: The transition to college can be intimidating, especially for first-generation students. Without proper support, students may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed.
- Lack of connection: Feeling disconnected from the campus community can hinder a student’s willingness to engage and complete the onboarding process.
How to Help Students Reach Their Goals in a Reasonable Amount of Time

When it comes to keeping students on track, intervention is key. Follow these tips:
- Educate students early: Help students realize that taking two courses per term may not be enough to earn their degree in the time frame they set for themselves. Make them aware of initiatives such as “15 to Finish” or “Momentum Year,” as well as other ways to receive college credit, such as through a prior learning assessment. These topics can all be part of the “Future Students” experience mentioned above in the “Ease of Enrollment” section.
- Keep students focused on the end goal: Post each student’s expected graduation date within their degree audit so they can see that taking two courses per term will put them on pace to earn an associate degree in five years.
Common Cost/Benefit Roadblocks for Students

You’ve now reached the last but never the least critical roadblock in higher education: return on investment. It’s why your students are showing up, and if the numbers don’t make sense, they can — and should — turn back. Here are some financial concerns that your students are likely to face:

Housing and Transportation Challenges
- Affordable housing: Students who need housing may have trouble finding affordable options, which can delay their ability to start classes.
- Transportation barriers: Students without reliable transportation may struggle to attend orientation sessions, placement tests, or even some of their classes.
Cost of College Data Is Hard to Find
- How much a degree costs: Some students don’t know what a college credit is, much less what a cost-per-credit model is. Furthermore, many students don’t know how many credits it takes to earn a degree/credential.
- Payment options: Students may not know that different financial options exist. This is especially true for students who work full time for an employer that provides tuition assistance as a benefit.
Ways to Help Students With Their Financial Concerns

Your institution is responsible for ensuring that students understand their financial obligations and how to meet them. Here are a few ways that you can do this:
- Provide clear cost comparisons: Create easy-to-understand charts or infographics that compare the cost of tuition and fees at your community college to those at local four-year universities. Highlight the significant savings.
- Offer cost calculators: Provide online calculators that allow students to input their financial information and compare a community college’s costs to a four-year institution’s costs. See an example here.
- Provide debt-projection tools: Offer tools that project potential student loan debt based on different educational paths, clearly illustrating the financial advantages of the community college option. Remember that you are an educator and that education starts the moment a student begins exploring your college.
Bust Down Roadblocks by Partnering With Archer

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve helped lots of institutions navigate these potential roadblocks to enrolling and retaining more students. And I’m far from alone in my expertise at Archer. Our full-service team partners with colleges of all kinds to help them build and scale their capacities.

Is your institution ready for a collaborative partner who takes the time to get to know you, then makes custom recommendations based on decades of experience? Reach out to us today!

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Brian Messer

Brian Messer has over 20 years of experience overseeing all aspects of university administration, including online, operations, academic affairs, enrollment management, marketing, financial management, and human resources and student affairs. Specifically, his extensive experience in scaling marketing and enrollment initiatives in all sectors of nontraditional higher education have contributed to student success and growth at many institutions of higher learning.
Messer holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Saint Louis University.

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September 23, 2024
Financial Aid Conversation Strategies for Enrollment Success
The decision to enroll in college is significant, and students rely on institutional guidance to make informed choices. Financial information, particularly regarding tuition costs and financial aid, is often one of the first things they seek. Unfortunately, many higher education institutions struggle to initiate the conversation early in the enrollment funnel, which can lead to student frustration, decreased enrollment, and potentially higher student debt.

Engaging in financial aid discussions with prospective students early on in their enrollment journey is a crucial opportunity to alleviate concern and create a smoother experience. We’ve put together actionable strategies to help higher ed professionals initiate these conversations, better manage the student experience, and remove a significant barrier from their decision-making process. Explore strategies for how and when to have these conversations and highlight the key differences between traditional students and online adult learners, providing insights to increase enrollment and student success.

Gain additional insights into effectively managing financial aid discussions in our latest recorded webinar.

The Importance of Early Funnel Financial Advising

As consumers in today’s digital age, Modern Learners are accustomed to having information instantly accessible at the click of a button. Before committing to a program, students seek transparency about tuition costs and financial aid directly on the university’s website. According to EducationDynamics’ Online College Students Report, 90% of online college students begin their search on a college’s website, with 60% specifically looking for cost and financial information. However, only 36% report being able to easily find this critical information. The report also reveals that 58% of students prefer to learn about costs when they first visit a school’s website, while 26% expect this information after their initial inquiry. Only 10% are willing to wait until they hear back from the school post-application, and just 6% after acceptance. These findings identify a critical gap in the student experience.

Addressing this gap is vital for effectively guiding students through their enrollment journey. It’s also important to acknowledge that not all students have the same familiarity with navigating college financial processes. For example, the Online College Students Report found that 36% of online college students are first-generation college students, who may lack experience with navigating the college enrollment process, making conversations centered on financial aid even more critical.

Additionally, many online students have already incurred student loan debt from prior enrollment, which can impact their ability to finance their education through federal aid alone. This existing debt often influences their decision to re-enroll. Therefore, engaging in financial discussions and understanding the impact of various factors, such as debt and previous financial experiences, is essential.

Tailoring financial information and support to meet diverse needs is just one part of the broader conversation about enhancing financial literacy for prospective students. Financial literacy is an important component of their overall student journey, and by prioritizing this education and personalizing the approach, institutions can better support their students’ success while also improving enrollment outcomes.

Building a Comprehensive Financial Aid Conversation Strategy

When a prospective student inquiries and connects with an advisor, it presents an invaluable opportunity to provide a comprehensive review of tuition, costs, and all available financial options. At this stage, it’s important to ask questions that allow for individualized support, offering personalized answers tailored to each student’s specific financial situation. Remember, many students may already feel frustrated after struggling to find this information on the website. To address this, proactive financial conversations are key.

Despite the importance of financial clarity, many enrollment interviews with prospective students fail to delve deeply into financial options. Instead, students are often directed to only the FAFSA, which limits the students access to information on other options. Discussing other options, such as scholarships, grants, and payment plans, can help reduce the greater debt load and give students a clearer understanding of how financial decisions impact them each academic year.

Student Journey Mapping

Student journey mapping is a strategic process that helps institutions visualize and optimize the student experience from initial inquiry to enrollment. When integrated with financial advising, student journey mapping becomes a powerful tool for identifying gaps in existing financial aid conversations and ensuring students receive the support they need early in their enrollment process.

To start, assess your current student journey map by identifying all pre-enrollment touchpoints where financial advising is currently provided. Consider where financial discussions are taking place and how they are being conducted.

Ask questions such as:
- Where is financial advising currently provided?
- How is financial information currently provided?
- What gaps exist in these conversations?
Once you have reviewed your existing student journey map, create a revised version that reflects a best-case scenario student journey. Consider the following:
- Has the party responsible for financial advising changed or evolved?
- Is the current system access still relevant?
- Are there training or knowledge gaps that need to be addressed?
- What specific questions should be asked during pre-enrollment advising to better address students’ financial needs?
By addressing these considerations, institutions can create a more seamless and supportive financial advising experience that meets the unique needs of prospective students.

For more detailed guidance on student journey mapping, visit our Student Journey Mapping page.

Training Enrollment Teams

Effective financial aid conversations are instrumental to student success, and well-trained enrollment teams can make a significant impact. With well-trained enrollment teams, institutions can provide clarity and support while fostering trust in the financial aid process. Here are four strategies for ensuring your team is prepared:
1. Sell the Vision: Communicate the importance of financial aid discussions in shaping the student experience, motivating your team to approach these conversations with empathy and purpose.
2. Solicit Feedback: Ask your enrollment team for input on their challenges and needs to ensure that training practices directly address their concerns.
3. Create or Outsource High-Quality Training Content: Develop or outsource engaging training content that covers financial aid topics. Consider leveraging professional support, such as our Financial Aid Advising services, to ensure your team is thoroughly supported.
4. Incorporate Relevant Resources or Data: Integrate current data and resources into your training materials, such as insights from the Online College Students Report to help your team understand the specific financial challenges students face and how to address them effectively.
By implementing these strategies, your team will be better equipped to guide students through complex financial decisions, ensuring they feel supported from the first conversation through to enrollment.

Beyond FAFSA

While the FAFSA is a starting point for financial aid, it’s important to explore a range of financial aid options to better address varying student needs.

Students may benefit from alternative financial aid options such as tuition reimbursement programs, employer-sponsored education benefits, scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. These resources can help reduce their reliance on loans and alleviate stress throughout their academic journeys.

Through presenting a range of financial aid options, institutions can empower students with greater access to financial support, increasing their chances of enrollment success while minimizing financial stress.

Monitoring and Adapting

To better understand the effectiveness of your advising strategies, consider tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to financial aid conversations. Monitoring these KPIs allows you to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments to ensure students receive the best possible support.

Relevant KPIs to track include:
- FAFSA Submission Time: Measure how quickly students are completing their FAFSA applications after engaging in financial aid conversations.
- Packaging to Direct Cost: Track how effectively financial aid packages cover direct costs, such as tuition and fees.
- Revised Award Letters/Packages: Monitor the frequency and outcomes of revised award letters or financial aid packages based on ongoing financial aid discussions.
- Increased Payment Plans: Look for a rise in students adopting flexible payment plans due to better financial aid conversations.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Track the usage of tuition reimbursement or employer-sponsored education benefits as alternative financial aid options.
Continuous monitoring and adjusting as needed are key to optimizing the financial advising process. By regularly reviewing KPIs and the quality of financial aid conversations, enrollment teams can ensure that their advising strategies remain effective and aligned to student goals.

Resources and Next Steps

Leverage Our Expertise

At EducationDynamics, we recognize that navigating the financial aid process can be a challenging part of the student journey. Our dedicated financial aid coaches provide your team with personalized support, helping to reduce the workload on your internal teams, allowing them to focus on core responsibilities. By partnering with us, you can streamline the financial aid process, increase efficiency, and improve enrollment outcomes.

Watch the Recorded Webinar

For a deeper dive into effective strategies for addressing financial aid conversations with prospective students, don’t miss our recorded webinar. This session offers valuable information on integrating financial guidance into the pre-enrollment experience and enhancing your financial aid conversations. Watch the recording now to access comprehensive approaches that can augment your institution’s financial advising process.
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September 23, 2024
Higher Education Conferences in 2025 to Put on Your Radar
InsightsEDU 2025 – Marketing and Enrollment Management for Adult and Online Education
Date: February 12-14, 2025
Location: The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans

EducationDynamics’ InsightsEDU is one of the only higher education marketing and enrollment management conferences focused on the Modern Learner. Every year, InsightsEDU brings together thought leaders, decision-makers, and professionals from colleges, universities, and education-related organizations nationwide. The mission of InsightsEDU is to create a platform for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and innovations that propel higher education forward.
2025 Presidents Institute
Date: January 4–7, 2025
Location: San Antonio, TX

The Council of Independent Colleges’ 2025 Presidents Institute serves as a pivotal gathering amid the shifting higher education environment, offering a space for leaders to address key challenges. The 2025 gathering will provide over 300 college and university presidents, along with nearly 750 participants, the opportunity to explore how strategic community engagement can transform challenges into opportunities. With a focus on critical issues like financial sustainability, legal challenges, DEI and belonging, and federal policy, this event offers timely insights for navigating higher education’s political landscape.
SXSW EDU Conference & Festival 2025
Date: March 3-6, 2025
Location: Austin, TX

Immerse yourself in four days of unparalleled learning and collaboration at the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival. Designed for education professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers, this pivotal event ignites creativity and fosters innovation in the field of education.
2025 UPCEA Annual Conference
Date: March 24-26, 2025
Location: Denver, CO

UPCEA’s Annual Conference is one of the most significant assemblies of thought leaders and practitioners today in the field of professional, continuing, and online education. Deans and other senior university leaders, key staff, and teams responsible for the management, administration, and growth of professional, continuing, and online education programs attend every year to gain insights on the most pressing topics in the higher education landscape – including federal policy, finance and operations, marketing and enrollment management, instructional design, noncredit programs, alternative credentialing, and more.
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) 2025
Date: April 12-16, 2025
Location: Nashville, TN

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference hosts a premier professional development event for leaders and stakeholders in the community college sector. It features impactful keynote presentations, focused breakout sessions, technology showcases, and peer-to-peer exchanges, all aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in two-year colleges. With a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and extensive networking opportunities, the AACC Annual Conference serves as an essential platform for shaping the future of community college education.
The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO) 110^th Annual Meeting
Date: March 30 – April 2, 2025
Location: Seattle, WA

Join a global network of higher education professionals at the AACRAO Annual Meeting, where leaders from various disciplines come together to explore, engage, and advance the field. This event provides an opportunity to discuss the ever-changing landscape of higher education, share valuable insights, and collaborate on practical solutions to real-world challenges. Each year, the AACRAO Annual Meeting tackles emerging issues and trends, offering attendees the chance to deepen their knowledge, expand their network, and contribute to the future of higher education.
OLC Innovate 2025
Date: April 1-4, 2025
Location: Nashville, TN

The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a group of higher education leaders and innovators who work to advance quality digital teaching and learning experiences. OLC Innovate 2025 offers educators of all experience levels to explore, share, and advance digital and blended learning. Themed “The Rhythm of Innovation: Hitting the High Notes in Digital Education,” the conference will reimagine how today’s disruptions shape tomorrow’s classrooms.
2024 Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference
Date: April 5-8, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL

HLC’s Annual Conference is geared towards administrators in the higher education community, including administrative professionals, faculty members, CEOs, presidents, and chancellors. Sessions, speakers, and workshops provide opportunities for institutions that seek accreditation and offer information on the latest developments, issues, and best practices in higher education. The 2025 conference will explore how colleges and universities use higher education to address evolving student and societal needs, impart workforce skills, fuel innovation, and tackle today’s most pressing challenges.
ASU+GSV Summit 2025 – Learning at the Speed of Light
Date: April 6-9, 2025
Location: San Diego, CA

The ASU GSV Summit brings together leading thinkers in digital learning and workforce skills to create a future where everyone has equal access to opportunity. It is a community of educators, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in the educational technology and higher education industry who are motivated in reshaping society and education through innovation.
NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment – 2025 Graduate Enrollment Management Summit
Date: April 23-26, 2025
Location: San Francisco, CA

NAGAP’s annual summit unites professionals engaged in every aspect of the graduate enrollment lifecycle—from admissions and recruitment to financial aid, academic affairs, and beyond. As the only professional organization dedicated exclusively to graduate enrollment management, NAGAP provides a unique platform for addressing the specific concerns and challenges faced by those in this field.
Digital University Week – Inside Higher Ed/Times Higher Education
Date: May 2025
Location: TBD

Digital University Week, hosted by Inside Higher Ed and Times Higher Education, brings together leaders in higher education’s digital transformation to explore the opportunities and challenges of a digital-first future. The event focuses on overcoming institutional silos, fostering industry collaboration, and maximizing resources while emphasizing a human-centered approach for equitable digital learning. The series offers an intimate setting for impactful conversations, sparking new ideas and building connections to reshape the future of education.
2025 Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) Convention
Date: May 27-29, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, NV

The 2025 North American Career Education Convention is regarded as the largest gathering of private career education professionals nationwide. Featuring renowned keynote speakers, expert-led sessions, and ample opportunities to connect with sector leaders, this conference attracts a diverse audience each year, fostering collaboration and innovation in postsecondary career education.
Slate Summit 2025
Date: June 25-27, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, NV

The Slate Summit, an exclusive event led by the Slate community, provides a deep dive into specific Slate topics through expert-led sessions and offers networking opportunities with like-minded peers in affinity group breakouts. This year’s Summit, tailored for admissions, student success, and advancement professionals, promises to be the most engaging and informative yet, featuring industry experts, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
eduWeb Summit 2025
Date: July 15-17, 2025
Location: Portland, ME

The eduWeb Summit is a community of higher education professionals and industry partners who are passionate about advancing their marketing, communications, and digital work. This conference gathers higher education professionals and industry partners from 16 countries and all 50 states. Attendees benefit from enhanced networking opportunities, engaging with peers and potential partners while gaining valuable insights into web and digital experiences, AI and analytics, leadership and innovation, and enrollment marketing.
UPCEA DT&L and SOLA+R 2024 – Distance Teaching & Learning Conference and Summit for Online Leadership & Administration + Roundtable
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

UPCEA’s DT&L and SOLA+R event combines 2 conferences into 1 seamless experience. It captures all the elements of digital transformation and leadership in a holistic way—from teaching and learning to leadership and administration—preserving the salient issues for two distinct professional communities, while catalyzing dialogue across all facets of the larger field. This event is ideal for key campus leaders – presidents, provost, deans, instructional designers, faculty, and other focused on digital leadership.

UPCEA DT&L and SOLA+R 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.
UNCF Unite 2025
Date: July 20-24, 2025
Location: Atlanta, GA

UNITE, powered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is the nation’s leading annual gathering for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs). This influential event brings together thought leaders, change agents, and community partners to accelerate institutional transformation, address shared challenges, and celebrate achievements. Through networking, discussions, and celebration, UNITE fosters innovation within higher education and propels institutions towards a brighter future for all students.

UNCF Unite 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.
HashtagHigherEd 2025
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

HashtagHigherEd is a dedicated forum of professionals in higher education marketing and communications to converge, fostering the exchange of best practices amidst the complexities of a competitive and ever-evolving landscape. This dedicated forum provides a space for these professionals to collaboratively discuss effective communication, marketing, and branding strategies tailored to the unique challenges of the higher education sector.

HashtagHigherEd US 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.
HighEdWeb Association Annual Conference 2025
Date: September 28-October 1, 2025
Location: Online and Grand Rapids, Michigan

Connect with colleagues and explore the impact of digital media on higher education at the HighEdWeb Annual Conference 2025. Designed for professionals across all roles—programmers, marketers, social media experts, managers, designers, and writers—this event offers diverse track sessions, an inspiring keynote, and group discussions. Engage with a vibrant community, gain valuable insights, and address unique digital challenges faced by colleges and universities, all while expanding your network and enhancing your professional development.
NACAC Conference 2025
Date: September 18-20, 2025
Location: Columbus, OH

The NACAC Conference 2025 will gather over 6,000 dedicated counselors in Los Angeles to exchange best practices, gain inspiration, and explore cutting-edge research in admission counseling. This event provides higher education counselors with the chance to discover innovative strategies, engage with thought leaders and peers, stay updated with the latest research, and connect with a diverse community of professionals.
UPCEA Convergence
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

The UPCEA Convergence conference explores contemporary trends and emerging models within the realm of alternative credentials. This event, a collaborative effort by UPCEA and AACRAO, serves as a platform for key campus figures involved in credential innovation. This includes deans of professional education, chief online learning officers, registrars, and their respective teams. Together, they aim to delineate and refine institutional strategies concerning alternative credentials.

UPCEA Convergence 2025 conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view the 2024 event page for more information.
P3 EDU – Innovation and Public-Private Partnership in Higher Education
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

P3 EDU is an invitation-only annual conference that brings together university administrators, government officials, and representatives from foundations and corporations to discuss public-private partnerships in higher education. Attendees will delve into partnership opportunities, share best practices, and address the challenges of implementing successful public-private partnerships in higher education.

P3 EDU 2025 conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view the 2024 event page for more information.
Educause Annual Conference 2025
Date: October 27-29, 2025
Location: Nashville, TN and Online

The Educause Annual Conference is the premier event for higher education technology professionals, connecting the brightest minds in the field. This global gathering brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds within the higher education industry – practitioners, researchers, and solution providers – to share ideas, develop their expertise, and discover innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.

The Educause Annual 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view the 2024 event page for more information.
2025 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

For over 30 years, the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education has offered a dynamic glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. With a program featuring peer-reviewed content, attendees gain the strategic insights needed to elevate their marketing strategies, enhance their institutional reputation, and ensure financial strength. Beyond the wealth of sessions, the Symposium serves as a vibrant community where knowledge seamlessly transitions into actionable initiatives, making it an invaluable resource for marketers looking to shape the future of higher education, foster growth, and ensure vitality.

The 2025 AMA Symposium Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view the 2024 event page for more information.
OLC Accelerate 2025
Date: November 17-20, 2025
Location: Orlando, FL

The OLC Accelerate conference showcases groundbreaking research and effective practices in online, blended, and digital learning. It offers a diverse range of sessions and activities designed to support administrators, designers, and educators by addressing the unique challenges and goals of the entire community. This event is a comprehensive resource for staying at the forefront of innovative practices in digital education.

The OLC Accelerate 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.
UPCEA MEMS 2025
Date: TBD
Location: TBD

UPCEA MEMS is a must-attend conference for education professionals who want to stay on top of the trends in higher ed marketing. Presented from a variety of perspectives, sessions elevate the conversation about today’s higher education landscape. For over 30 years, MEMS has drawn professionals from institutions of all sizes to showcase thought leadership in higher education and explore trends in adult student recruitment and retention.

UPCEA MEMS 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view the 2024 event page for more information.
NAICU 2025 Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day
Date: February 2-5, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

NAICU’s Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day is the premier policy and advocacy event for private, nonprofit higher education leadership, including college and university presidents, government relations personnel, and executives from state and mission-specific higher education associations. The meeting annually offers briefings on pressing policy issues affecting higher education and focuses advocacy efforts on these critical concerns.
WCET 37th Annual Meeting
Date: October 21-23, 2025
Location: Denver, CO

The WCET Annual Meeting brings together higher education professionals and practitioners to foster critical discussions, share the latest advancements in digital learning, and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. With a registration limit of 500, the intimate and collegial setting of the WCET Annual Meeting offers unique opportunities for meaningful dialogue and insights, making it a valuable event for leaders and practitioners in digital learning.

WCET 2025 Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.
2025 Engage Summit
Date: June 24-26, 2025
Location: Charlotte, NC

The Engage Summit focuses on practical applications of AI, equipping attendees to lead their institutions through AI transformation. Participants will gain insights into the modern student’s mindset—understanding their motivations, interactions, and expectations in today’s digital landscape. This event serves as a great opportunity for educational leaders to prepare their campuses for the evolving future of learning.

The 2025 Engage Summit Conference details have not been released at this time, but you can view last year’s event page for more information.

Conferences offer invaluable opportunities for higher education professionals to stay current with industry trends, discover innovative strategies, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re seeking to advance your career, enhance your skills, or simply stay informed, attending a relevant conference can be a hugely rewarding experience.

If you see any of our experts at EducationDynamics (EDDY) at one of these events, come and say hello! We’re excited about making new connections with people from all over the world who share a passion for learning more about what it means to understand, find, enroll, and retain adult, online, or non-traditional students.

We look forward to seeing you there; drop us a line if you’re attending any of the conferences above.

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5 Tips for Keeping Students Engaged Throughout the Admissions Process

In higher education, the enrollment funnel can feel like a battleground for institutions vying to convert interest into commitment.

Traditionally, the enrollment funnel has been viewed simply: attract, engage, and enroll. But the modern student’s journey is anything but straightforward — it’s a complex, winding path influenced by numerous digital touchpoints and personalized interactions.

The health of the enrollment funnel extends beyond mere numbers; it represents the institution’s ability to connect with prospective students through every phase of their decision-making process. With technology reshaping expectations and behaviors, colleges and universities must not only catch the eye of prospective students but also keep them engaged through multiple channels and strategies.

This article unpacks key elements of the enrollment and admissions funnel, offering actionable insights and innovative tips to capture and retain students’ attention from their first inquiry through their enrollment stages. As we explore these strategies, you’ll discover the vital role that continuous, tailored engagement plays in transforming interest into activity, setting the stage for a successful educational journey.

The Modern Student Journey

Today’s students embark on their educational journeys equipped with a wealth of information and digital tools at their fingertips, making their paths to enrollment more complex and multifaceted than ever before.

Complexities and Challenges

The student journey is far from linear. It involves numerous interactions across various platforms and touchpoints. Each student’s path is unique and influenced by personal, financial, and academic factors.

For instance, a modern student, such as a working professional returning to education or a parent seeking to balance family responsibilities with schooling, may have different priorities and use different resources compared to a younger, first-time college student.

Technology has diversified the ways students gather information, and also how they engage with institutions. Prospective students might start their journey by conducting a simple Google search, but they will also often visit social media platforms, participate in virtual campus tours, and attend online webinars before starting their application. During this time, they are continuously evaluating their options and being influenced by each interaction they have with a school’s digital presence.

Impact of Technology

The proliferation of digital platforms has dramatically altered the student journey, both for students and institutions, in ways such as the following:

Digital Touchpoints: Websites, social media platforms, online forums, and virtual tours provide initial impressions and ongoing engagement. Prospective students can interact with current students and faculty, view online classes, and even participate in community events, all from their devices.
Data-Driven Decisions: Students use data such as graduation rates, employment outcomes, and student and faculty testimonials to inform their choices. They expect personalized interactions and content that addresses their specific concerns and aspirations.
Engagement Analytics: Institutions now have the tools to track and analyze how prospective students interact with their digital content. This data is invaluable for refining marketing strategies and improving engagement tactics to ensure they meet the expectations and needs of prospective students.

Given these technological influences, it is essential for educational institutions to adapt their enrollment strategies to meet the changing behaviors and preferences of modern students. Integrating data analytics, enhancing digital communication channels, and providing personalized experiences are all critical to effectively engaging with prospective students throughout their decision-making journey.

Understanding the Enrollment Funnel

The enrollment and admissions funnel is a foundational concept in higher education marketing that illustrates the progressive stages a student navigates, from awareness through enrollment. The funnel is not just a theoretical model but a practical guide for shaping effective engagement strategies.

6 Stages of the Enrollment Funnel

The enrollment funnel can be divided into several key stages, each requiring specific strategies to move prospective students to the next step:

Awareness: This is the initial point where potential students first learn about an institution. Efforts here include broad-reaching advertising, social media presence, and participation in educational fairs. The goal is to cast a wide, though still strategic, net and garner interest from a diverse pool of students.
Interest: Once awareness is achieved, the focus shifts to nurturing interest and familiarity. This involves providing more detailed information about what the institution offers, such as programs, support services for online students, and financial aid options. Content marketing, informational webinars, and targeted emails play a significant role in this stage.
Consideration: At this juncture, prospective students are comparing their options. They might engage more deeply with admissions counselors, attend virtual or in-person campus tours, and participate in Q&A sessions. Personalized communication and reassurance about academic and social fit are crucial.
Intent: The intent stage is where decision-making becomes serious. Prospective students might discuss their choices with family, friends, colleagues, or advisors, conduct comparative research, and seriously evaluate financial aid details and options. Institutions should focus on direct engagements, such as personal calls, text messages, or engagement-driven content, to solidify their interest.
Application: The application stage is the formal step of submitting necessary documents and fulfilling admission requirements. Support through streamlined application processes, reminders, and help desks is vital to ease this phase for students.
Enrollment: The final stage, where accepted students confirm their attendance and complete registration. At this point, effective communication about orientation, class selection, and enrollment procedures can ease the transition and ensure that students feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

A deep understanding and effective management of the enrollment and admissions funnel is crucial for any educational institution aiming to increase its student body. Let’s see how it’s done.

How to Keep Students’ Attention Through the Enrollment Funnel

Maintaining the attention of prospective students throughout their educational journey is crucial for successful enrollment. Here are key strategies to keep students engaged from initial inquiry through enrollment:

1. Consistent Engagement Across Channels

Leverage multiple channels to engage with students to ensure your institution remains top of mind. Implement a mix of digital and traditional marketing strategies to reach students where they are most active, such as the following:

Digital Channels: Targeted social media ads, engaging video content, and informative blog posts
Traditional Channels: Direct mail, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions during campus visits

2. Personalization and Differentiation

Tailor your communications to meet the specific needs and interests of each prospective student, and utilize data from their interactions with your digital content to personalize messages. Strategies to achieve these goals include the following:

Segmented Email Campaigns: Customized emails based on the prospective student’s program of interest, engagement history, and stage in the funnel
Custom Content: Relevant information that addresses specific concerns or questions that may arise at different stages of their journey

3. Incentives and Urgency

Create a sense of urgency and motivation by offering incentives that encourage prospective students to take the next step:

Priority Deadlines: Upcoming application deadlines that can be highlighted to spur action
Exclusive Offers: Application fee waivers or access to special events for early applicants

4. Building Relationships

Foster a sense of community and belonging from the first interaction through forums such as the following:

Virtual Engagements: Live Q&A sessions with current students and faculty
Personal Outreach: Admissions counselors who reach out personally to high-interest candidates

5. Continuous Improvement

Regularly assess and refine your engagement strategies based on feedback and analytics tools and processes:

Feedback Loops: Surveys and feedback channels that gather insights from prospective students
Analytics Review: Regular analysis of engagement metrics to adjust strategies and improve outcomes

It’s Time to Build Out Your Enrollment Funnel

The landscape of higher education is competitive, but the enrollment funnel could be your institution’s edge. By engaging prospective students at every stage of their journey with tailored strategies and personalized communications, institutions can significantly enhance their enrollment rates. If you’re ready to elevate your enrollment marketing strategies, Archer Education is here to take you to the next level. Reach out to us, and let us help you create a robust enrollment funnel that not only attracts but also converts prospective students into committed learners.

John Van Fleet

John Van Fleet is the Chief Marketing Officer at Archer Education. With more than 20 years of experience in higher ed marketing, John has a continuous track record of successfully supporting institutional growth.

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About Top Hat

5 Tips for Keeping Students Engaged Throughout the Admissions Process

The Modern Student Journey

Complexities and Challenges

Impact of Technology

Understanding the Enrollment Funnel

6 Stages of the Enrollment Funnel

How to Keep Students’ Attention Through the Enrollment Funnel

1. Consistent Engagement Across Channels

2. Personalization and Differentiation

3. Incentives and Urgency

4. Building Relationships

5. Continuous Improvement

It’s Time to Build Out Your Enrollment Funnel

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