Case Study: Ithaca College achieves 32% more applications, increased diversity, and higher retention with IBM SPSS analytics

Analytics used to make better admissions decisions and increase students' chances for success

Ithaca College (IC), a private college in Ithaca, New York enrolling nearly 6,700 students, faced a declining regional applicant pool and internal pressure to increase minority enrollment while identifying the most promising candidates for long‑term success. To tackle these admissions and retention challenges, Ithaca College partnered with IBM and used IBM SPSS Modeler V15, IBM SPSS Statistics and IBM Training.

IBM helped IC apply analytics to historical student data and internal social media metrics, enabling the college to revise admissions practices (including making standardized tests optional) and make better-informed decisions. As a result, applications increased 32% in two years, minority freshman enrollment rose 31% in the first year, first‑to‑second semester retention improved from 95.5% to 97.5%, and first‑year retention rose from 84.2% to 87.5%.

Ithaca College

Eric Maguire

Vice President for Enrollment and Communication