by Nick Willis | Mar 19, 2025 | Enrollment, Financial Aid, Strategy
A higher education leader once asked, “Our discount rate keeps rising and our board keeps asking if we’re giving away too much. But we can’t afford to lose students. Are we on a dangerous path?” If you’ve ever had a similar thought, you’re not alone. Presidents,...
by Ryan Dougherty | Mar 18, 2025 | Enrollment, Marketing & Branding, Strategy
Azusa Pacific University’s decision to reinstate football at the NCAA Division III level isn’t just about bringing back a beloved sport — it’s a bold strategic move that could reshape the future of athletics in Christian higher education. By prioritizing academics,...
by Ryan Dougherty | Oct 8, 2024 | Enrollment, Financial Aid, Marketing & Branding
After more than 20 years in college enrollment, including several as a Vice President, I thought helping my firstborn child choose a college would be second nature. Turns out, I was wrong. Parenting constantly reshapes your expectations and forces you to make...
by Ryan Dougherty | Mar 20, 2024 | Enrollment, Strategy
Blog Brief: The “Flutie Effect” refers to the significant increase in college applications experienced by Boston College following Doug Flutie’s iconic “Hail Mary” pass in November 1984. Investing in sports can attract students but might make non-athletes feel left...
by Ryan Dougherty | Jan 10, 2023 | Enrollment, Strategy
Strategy is about making choices, but good choices can’t be made until you have a deep understanding of your situation. Admitting your problems allows you to turn them into opportunities. This is the beginning of what can become a winning enrollment strategy. All...
by Nick Willis | Nov 16, 2022 | Enrollment, Financial Aid
Every year higher ed. institutions have to make a difficult decision about how they are going to strategically award institutional aid to their students. It’s difficult because your financial aid strategy has massive financial implications both for students and for...
