FINANCIAL AID AND ENROLLMENT OPTIMIZATION

Ultimately, our strategic objective should be to reduce dependency on discounting by producing and projecting a compelling, distinctive educational identity that attracts a larger and better-qualified applicant pool.

Financial aid optimization. Using econometric modeling, we predict enrollment behavior relative to grant aid, based on past years’ admits’ sensitivity to price and other variables. We then work with clients to develop a financial aid strategy that balances institution-specific academic profile; demographic, enrollment, and net revenue goals.

Conversion analysis and inquiry scoring. Using a combination of institutional conversion data and geodemographic data from Claritas, we identify the kinds of inquiries most likely to enroll, making it possible to focus financial and human resources on more productive geographic areas and recruitment activities. We also score each inquiry’s probability of enrollment, allowing staff to prioritize the most promising prospects.

Financial aid policy development. Working closely with senior administration, we help evaluate the current and future impact of financial aid policies on a college’s ability to shape incoming classes.

Full budget modeling. To project the impact of financial aid strategies on net revenue and budgets for an entire student body, we develop an equation to predict attrition rates, program a model that packages each student cohort consistent with that class’s freshman award strategy, then project net revenues under different assumptions about retention, graduation rates and financial aid policies.

Retention Analysis. We offer customized retention analysis that can help you muster the institutional seriousness required for retention monitoring, problem identification, and intervention. Hardwick~Day offers practical guidance as well as serious data crunching. Our principals and associates have many, many years of hands-on experience in leadership positions in admissions and financial aid offices at schools large and small, urban and rural, all over the country. Read a case study here.

For more information contact Nathan Mueller.