🎓 Weekly Roundup: The Changing Face of Higher Education Marketing & Strategy
The higher education landscape is shifting. Fast. This week’s roundup explores how schools and institutions are adapting their strategies to stay relevant, attract students, and build stronger connections. From personalized digital marketing and CRM tools to microcredentials and values-based leadership, the focus is clear—meet students where they are, both online and offline.
Technology is playing a major role. Articles showed how CRM systems are helping colleges track student behavior and improve engagement. Others explored how EdTech, SEO, and paid search are transforming outreach. It’s not just about flashy tools—it’s about using data to guide smarter decisions. Whether it’s finding the right mix of SEO and paid ads or offering better student payment plans, institutions are learning to think more like businesses.
But not everything is tech-driven. The rise of microcredentials shows a move toward flexible, skills-focused programs. These programs appeal to learners of all ages and backgrounds, especially in industries like healthcare. Meanwhile, values-based leadership is gaining traction in higher ed, proving that trust and mission still matter.
Student experience is another big theme. From using student influencers in enrollment marketing to redesigning recruitment for workforce programs, schools are experimenting with fresh, student-first ideas. Still, challenges remain—especially when it comes to declining interest in U.S. grad programs and the real impact of traditional advertising.
Listen to a recap of this post as a podcast:
Here’s what stood out across the board.
5 Takeaways Across the Articles
- CRM and digital marketing work better together to boost student engagement and retention.
- Microcredentials and modular programs are gaining ground, especially in fields like healthcare.
- Personalized outreach is key to attracting both undergrad and graduate students.
- Flexible payment options can reduce financial stress and improve student success.
- Values-based leadership helps build trust, collaboration, and stronger teams.
5 Controversial or Debated Ideas
- US colleges may lose international grad students due to visa policies and political climate.
- ROI alone is not the best way to judge advertising—engagement matters too.
- Student influencers may blur the line between marketing and authenticity.
- Over-reliance on EdTech can leave gaps in access and training.
- SEO and Paid Search both matter, but balancing them takes time, money, and skill.
Redefining Student Success with Digital Marketing and CRM
2025-05-07T14:22:58.000Z
Student Success: The Role of Digital Marketing and CRM in Higher Education
Synopsis:
- Introduction
- Discusses the importance of student success in higher education.
- Introduces the concept of using digital marketing and CRM to enhance student success.
- Digital Marketing Strategies
- Outlines various digital marketing strategies that can be used to support student success.
- Includes examples like personalized communication and targeted messaging.
- CRM Solutions
- Examines the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in higher education.
- Discusses how CRM can track student interactions and provide valuable insights.
- Benefits of Integration
- Highlights the benefits of integrating digital marketing and CRM for student success.
- Emphasizes the potential for improved engagement, retention, and overall student experience.
- Takeaways
- Stress the importance of leveraging technology to support student success.
- Encourages higher education institutions to invest in digital marketing and CRM solutions.
Unique Positions:
- The author emphasizes the need for higher education institutions to prioritize student success through the use of digital marketing and CRM.
Summary & Takeaways:
- Summary: This article explores how digital marketing and CRM can enhance student success in higher education by providing personalized communication, tracking student interactions, and improving overall engagement.
- Takeaways:
- Utilize digital marketing strategies to support student success.
- Implement CRM systems to track student interactions and provide insights.
- Integrate digital marketing and CRM for improved student engagement and retention.
Boost student success with 📱digital marketing & 📊CRM! Personalize, track & engage! #HigherEdSuccess #DigitalMarketingCRM
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Microcredentials, Modularity, and Mission: Insights from UPCEA’s Coffee Chat on Innovation in Healthcare Education
2025-05-07T13:00:56.000Z
New Insights on Microcredentials in Healthcare Education
- Synopsis:
- UPCEA hosted a coffee chat on innovation in healthcare education.
- Discussion focused on the role of microcredentials in advancing healthcare training.
- Insights shared regarding modularity, accreditation, and mission alignment in building microcredential programs.
- Background Resources:
- UPCEA
- Healthcare education industry trends
- Noteworthy Positions:
- Emphasis on the need for modularity in microcredential programs to cater to diverse learner needs.
- Discussion on the importance of accreditation to ensure quality and credibility of microcredentials.
- Highlighting the significance of aligning microcredential offerings with the overall mission of healthcare institutions.
- Summary:
- Microcredentials play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare education by offering modular, accredited programs that align with institutional missions.
Unlock the future of healthcare education with microcredentials! 🏥💡 #Innovation #HealthcareEducation
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Interest in US for postgrad study has plummeted, data shows
Nathan M Greenfield
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250422065334991
2025-05-07T10:05:00.000Z
Interest in US for Postgrad Study Has Decreased
Summary:
- The article discusses a recent study showing a decrease in international students’ interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States.
- Several factors are cited as contributing to this decline, including tighter visa regulations, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and increasing competition from other countries.
- The author suggests that US universities need to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain international students.
Background Resources:
- The study mentioned in the article
- Information on visa regulations for international students
- Data on international student enrollment trends
Noteworthy Positions:
- The author emphasizes the need for US universities to be more proactive in recruiting and supporting international students.
- The article highlights the impact of political rhetoric and policies on international student interest in the US.
Takeaways:
- Increased competition and political factors are affecting international student interest in postgraduate studies in the US.
- US universities must adapt their recruitment strategies to remain competitive in the global education market.
Interest in US postgrad studies is dropping 📉 due to visa rules & anti-immigrant rhetoric. #HigherEd #InternationalStudents
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Reimagining Program Recruitment and Onboarding Using the Ask-Connect-Inspire-Plan Framework
https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/easyblog/reimagining-program-recruitment-onboarding.html
2025-05-06T13:25:14.000Z
Reimagining Program Recruitment and Onboarding
Synopsis:
- Background: The article discusses the importance of rethinking recruitment and onboarding processes for workforce development programs.
- Key Points:
- Traditional recruitment methods may not always attract the right candidates for the program.
- Onboarding processes should focus on setting clear expectations and providing necessary support to participants.
- Implementing innovative recruitment strategies, like personalized outreach and partnerships with community organizations, can lead to better program outcomes.
- Noteworthy Position: The author emphasizes the need for a more tailored approach to recruitment and onboarding in workforce development programs.
- Takeaways:
- Rethinking recruitment strategies can lead to better participant outcomes.
- Effective onboarding processes are crucial for setting participants up for success in the program.
Rethinking recruitment and onboarding processes in workforce programs is key to success! 🌟 #WorkforceDevelopment #RecruitmentStrategy
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Announcing the Partnership of Carnegie and Foundation Marketing
https://www.carnegiehighered.com/blog/carnegie-and-foundation-marketing-partnership
2025-05-06T12:17:44.000Z
Summary:
- The article explores the benefits of partnerships between higher education institutions and marketing foundations.
- It discusses how these collaborations can enhance marketing strategies for universities and help them reach their target audiences effectively.
- The author emphasizes the importance of aligning marketing efforts with the mission and values of the educational institution.
- Examples of successful partnerships and key takeaways are provided to guide universities in forming similar collaborations.
Higher ed + marketing partnerships = smarter outreach! 🎓🚀 Reach the right audience, effectively. #HigherEdMarketing #Partnership
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Struggling to attract graduate students? Here are four ways to fix it
https://eab.com/resources/blog/adult-education-blog/attract-graduate-students-nagap-survey
2025-05-06T12:00:00.000Z
How to Attract Graduate Students: Key Insights from the NAGAP Survey
Synopsis:
- The article highlights key findings from the NAGAP survey on attracting graduate students.
- It discusses the importance of personalized communication and targeted marketing strategies.
- The survey also emphasizes the significance of engaging with prospective students at every stage of the enrollment process.
Background Resources:
- The National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) survey
Noteworthy Positions:
- Emphasis on the need for personalized communication in recruiting graduate students.
- Highlighting the importance of targeted marketing strategies based on prospective students’ preferences and behaviors.
Summary & Takeaways:
- Personalized communication and targeted marketing are crucial to attracting graduate students.
- Engaging with prospective students throughout the enrollment process is key to successful recruitment efforts.
🎓 NAGAP survey: Personalization & targeted marketing are key to grad student recruitment! 📚 #GraduateRecruitment #HigherEdMarketing
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[Podcast] EdTech Evolution
Higher Ed Dive’s studioID
https://www.highereddive.com/spons/podcast-edtech-evolution/747285
2025-05-06T12:00:00.000Z
The Evolution of EdTech in Higher Education
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the evolution of educational technology (EdTech) in higher education, how it has transformed teaching and learning over the years.
- It highlights the increasing use of digital tools, online learning platforms, and artificial intelligence in academic settings.
- The article references reports and studies on the impact of EdTech on student engagement, achievement, and retention rates.
Unique/Noteworthy Positions:
- The author argues that while EdTech offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges such as digital equity issues and the need for faculty training.
- The article suggests that institutions need to adapt and innovate their use of EdTech to meet the changing needs of students and faculty.
Takeaways:
- EdTech has revolutionized higher education, offering opportunities for personalized learning and enhanced student outcomes.
- Institutions must address challenges related to EdTech implementation to ensure equitable access and effective use in teaching and learning.
🚀 EdTech is reshaping higher ed! Learn how schools can harness it while tackling challenges. #EdTechEvolution #HigherEd
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How to partner with student influencers in your enrollment marketing
2025-05-06T12:00:00.000Z
Partnering with Student Influencers in Enrollment Marketing
Synopsis:
- Background: Many higher education institutions are leveraging student influencers to amplify their enrollment marketing efforts.
- Author’s Position: Student influencers have a unique ability to connect with prospective students on a personal level and provide authentic insights into campus life.
- Takeaways:
- Collaborate with student influencers to create relatable content for prospective students.
- Provide training and guidelines to student influencers to align messaging with institutional goals.
- Utilize student influencers to showcase campus culture and student life experiences.
- Measure the impact of student influencer campaigns to assess their effectiveness in enrollment marketing.
Unlock the power of student influencers in enrollment marketing! 🎓💬 #HigherEdMarketing #StudentInfluencers
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Leading with Values-Based Influence in Higher Education
https://upcea.edu/leading-with-values-based-influence-in-higher-education/
2025-05-05T13:00:09.000Z
Leading with Values-Based Influence in Higher Education
- The article discusses the importance of values-based influence in higher education leadership.
- It highlights the impact of using values as a guide for decision-making and influencing others.
- The author emphasizes the need for leaders to align their actions with their core values to inspire trust and collaboration.
- Examples are provided of successful leaders in academia who have effectively used values-based influence.
Background Resources:
- Research on leadership in higher education
- Case studies of successful educational leaders
Noteworthy Positions:
- Leaders who prioritize values over personal gain are more likely to earn the trust and loyalty of their teams.
- Values-based influence can lead to greater collaboration, innovation, and overall success in higher education institutions.
Summary and Takeaways:
- Leaders in higher education should prioritize values-based influence to inspire trust and collaboration among their teams.
- By aligning actions with core values, leaders can create a positive and supportive work environment that benefits the entire institution.
🎓 Lead with values in higher ed to inspire trust, collaboration & success. #HigherEdLeadership #ValuesInfluence
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How you can support your students with better payment plans
Nelnet Campus Commerce
2025-05-05T09:00:00.000Z
How You Can Support Your Students with Better Payment Plans
- Synopsis:
- The article discusses the importance of offering flexible and affordable payment plans for college students to help alleviate financial stress.
- It highlights the benefits of providing various payment options, including low or zero-interest plans and extended payment deadlines.
- The article emphasizes the impact of financial strain on student success and retention rates.
- Background Resources:
- Data from the National Center for Education Statistics on rising college tuition costs.
- Survey results from students regarding financial barriers to education.
- Unique or Noteworthy Positions:
- The author suggests that institutions should prioritize creating payment plans that cater to students’ individual financial situations.
- The article encourages colleges to proactively communicate payment options to students to promote transparency and trust.
- Summary with Takeaways:
- Providing flexible payment plans can improve student retention and success by reducing financial stress.
- Institutions should tailor payment options to meet students’ diverse needs and actively educate them about available resources.
Financial stress shouldn’t block student success 🎓💰 Flexible payment plans can help! #HigherEd #FinancialWellness
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SEO vs. Paid Search for OPMs: Balance Marketing
https://www.manaferra.com/seo-vs-paid-search-for-opms/
2025-05-04T07:59:07.000Z
SEO vs Paid Search for Online Program Management Services
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the importance of SEO and Paid Search for online property management services (OPMS)
- It explains how SEO can help OPMS companies improve organic search rankings and drive long-term traffic
- It also examines the benefits of Paid Search campaigns in generating immediate leads and increasing visibility
- The author provides examples of successful SEO and Paid Search strategies for OPMS companies
Background Resources:
- Search Engine Journal: Guide to SEO
- Google Ads Help Center: Getting Started with Paid Search
Noteworthy Positions:
- The author emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to SEO and Paid Search for OPMS companies
- They argue that a combination of both strategies can yield the best results in terms of online visibility and lead generation
Summary and Takeaways:
- SEO and Paid Search are both important for OPMS companies to increase visibility and drive leads
- A balanced approach that incorporates both strategies can lead to the most effective results
- Monitoring and adjusting these strategies regularly is key to maintaining success in the competitive online property management industry
🏡 Balancing SEO & Paid Search boosts visibility & drives leads for property management services! #DigitalMarketing #SEOvsPaidSearch
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OOH Advertising: What Gets Missed When Talking ROI
https://www.nextgrad.com/ooh-advertising-what-gets-missed-when-talking-roi/
2025-05-02T16:59:39.000Z
What Gets Missed When Talking ROI on OOH Advertising
- The article explores the limitations of focusing solely on ROI when evaluating outdoor advertising campaigns.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering brand awareness, visibility, customer engagement, and other non-financial metrics.
- The author argues that ROI alone may not capture the full impact and benefits of OOH advertising.
Background Resources
- Studies on the effectiveness of OOH advertising
- Data on consumer behavior and preferences related to outdoor ads
Noteworthy Positions
- ROI should be just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating the success of OOH advertising campaigns.
- Non-financial metrics such as brand awareness and customer engagement are equally important indicators of performance.
Summary and Takeaways
- While ROI is significant, it may not paint a complete picture of the impact of outdoor advertising.
- Brands should consider a holistic approach that includes both financial and non-financial metrics to evaluate the success of OOH campaigns.
🌟 Don’t overlook the importance of brand awareness and customer engagement when evaluating OOH advertising campaigns! #OOH #AdvertisingROI
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6 Common SEO Mistakes and Solutions for OPMs
https://www.manaferra.com/common-seo-mistakes-and-solutions-for-opms/
2025-05-01T06:58:45.000Z
Common SEO Mistakes and Solutions for Online Product Marketers
Synopsis:
- Overview:
The article discusses common SEO mistakes made by online product marketers and provides solutions to improve their search engine optimization strategies.
- Key Points:
- Mistakes such as keyword stuffing, low-quality content, and neglecting mobile optimization can hurt SEO efforts.
- Solutions include conducting keyword research, creating valuable and relevant content, and optimizing websites for mobile users.
- Background resources cited include Google’s search algorithm updates and industry best practices.
- Noteworthy Positions:
The author emphasizes the importance of user experience and quality content in SEO strategies for online product marketers.
Summary and Takeaways:
- Conduct keyword research and avoid keyword stuffing.
- Create high-quality, valuable content for users.
- Optimize websites for mobile users to improve SEO rankings.
Improve your online product marketing SEO by avoiding mistakes like keyword stuffing 🚫 & focusing on quality content 📈 #SEOtips #DigitalMarketing
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Conclusion:
Higher ed is changing how it connects with students. This week’s stories show a clear trend: tech tools like CRM, personalized outreach, and student influencers are becoming key parts of recruitment and retention. Schools are also focusing more on values, support systems, and real-world flexibility—from payment plans to program design. The goal is simple: make education work better for more people. That means smarter marketing, clearer communication, and strategies that put students first.
