Elmhurst University
We helped our client increase transfer student applications by 45%
Client:
Elmhurst University is a private liberal arts university founded in 1871, consistently ranked among the top colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, four accelerated majors for adults, 15 pre-professional programs, and 9 graduate programs.
Brief:
Facing intense competition from an ever-increasing host of traditional universities, for-profit educational companies, and distance learning programs, Elmhurst was losing the battle for new students.
Insight:
Elmhurst University has special attributes embedded within its DNA that many institutions of higher learning, especially upstarts in the for-profit and distance learning arena, could never hope to have. These primary advantages include the personal touch of a hands-on faculty, a vibrant, multi-faceted student experience, and an academic institution that has been a foundation of the community for over 150 years.
Solution:
We extended this personal touch to all forms of media to distinguish the university from its competitors and provide a boost to enrollment numbers. Our solution included direct and personal methods such as door hangs, direct mail, e-mail & database marketing, zip code targeted direct response inserts as well as supporting media channels including out-of-home, targeted print, and community college & high school publication and postering campaigns.
Results:
We had a 45% increase in transfer student applications, a 24% increase in traditional student applications, and a 20% increase in graduate student applications over the course of one year.