New Student Retention & Admission Strategies Focus on Tech

AI in College Admissions Streamlines the Process

Software developers are implementing artificial intelligence–based tools promising students a better and more successful academic experience. For example, Salesforce has updated an AI-powered cloud-based tool, Education Cloud, to help guide students through their degree programs and offer additional support such as mentor matching.

“Predictive analytics, AI-driven applicant management systems and even chatbots are allowing admissions offices to not only streamline the process but also personalize interactions with prospective students in ways that were unimaginable a few years ago,” says John Morganelli Jr., founder of Ivy League Admissions LLC, an admissions consultancy based in Pennsylvania.

“These tools help schools identify key trends in applications and tailor their outreach to align with what students are looking for, which ultimately drives greater engagement and enrollment,” he adds.

Universities are also using tech more directly as a selling point, Morganelli notes. “Things like drone demonstrations at college fairs or offering virtual reality campus tours appeal directly to the tech-savvy generation. These kinds of experiences can set a school apart in the minds of potential students who are drawn to innovative and future-forward environments,” he says.

RELATED: How student lifecycle management contributes to institutional success.

Technology That Elevates the Student Experience in Higher Education

These tech attractions can also mean lifestyle perks for students on campus, not just in the classroom. After all, who wouldn’t want to unlock their dorm room with their eyeballs or fingerprints instead of digging for a lanyard and key? Or show their student ID, make purchases at the cafeteria or bookstore, and even pay their tuition all from their smartphone?

Creating that kind of seamless experience can also pay big dividends in students’ minds.

A report from Transact Campus, which provides mobile credentials for students, shows that 72% of college students believe “payment convenience directly impacts their overall campus experience,” says Laura Newell-McLaughlin, the company’s executive vice president of integrated payments and campus commerce. Gone are the days of making the trek to the bursar’s office with a check — and better alternatives are now an “expectation” for digital natives, she adds. 

“These conveniences reduce friction, which makes their overall experience more satisfying and stress-free. As finances are one of the biggest stressors for college students, offering tech-centered solutions helps them manage their money more effectively, contributing to better academic and personal outcomes,” Newell-McLaughlin says.

Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of Ellucian, a Software as a Service platform, points to data showing the need for improved advising, financial aid support and planning tools to stay on track to graduate. In Ellucian’s 2024 Student Voice Report, 76% of the 1,500 U.S. college students surveyed said that the financial aid amount and process affected their school choice more than any other factor. 

“In terms of retention, nearly 60% of surveyed students considered dropping out due to financial stress, and 19% actually dropped out, primarily citing financial uncertainty,” Ipsen says.