The university and college admissions landscape is becoming more challenging. Institutions are facing growing competition from online courses, apprenticeships and other universities, not just within their own country, but globally. Perceived high-levels of tuition fees are making students think more carefully about where they want to invest in their education or if they want to invest in it at all. With growing numbers of entry-level jobs and bedroom businesses an attractive low-cost option for young and ambitious minds, universities need to work ever harder to convince students they are worth the investment.
As well as recruitment marketing, brand and profile building initiatives, institutions are turning to technology to get the edge on the competition when it comes to student admissions. This makes sense. Universities and colleges predominantly cater for the iGeneration. A whole demographic of digital natives who not only want to communicate through multi-channel digital means, but expect it from brands, businesses, organizations and institutions. By approaching student engagement, experience and marketing with a digital-first mind-set, Higher Education organizations can more effectively manage their admissions process, provide a better, more enriched experience, improve efficiency and help drive down costs.