Case Study: Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus achieves 53% increase in new students and 48% start rate with Liaison

How Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus Achieves Recruitment Marketing Success

Kansas State University​ Polytechnic Campus, led by Dr. Christopher A. Smith, faced the challenge of revitalizing recruitment to boost new-student enrollment and improve start rates. Partnering with Liaison, the campus pursued a data-driven recruitment marketing strategy that focused on segmenting prospects by grade and customizing outreach (email campaigns, a Sophomore Day postcard campaign, parent letters, social channels and tailored print materials).

Liaison implemented targeted, scalable campaigns—nurturing sophomores, cultivating juniors and converting seniors—which produced measurable gains: new-student enrollment reached 291 (a 53% increase over the previous year), the start rate rose from 31% to 48% (a 17-point increase), Sophomore Day drew 147 RSVPs, 98% of students are entering their field of study, and average starting salary increased from $48,000 to $57,000.

Kansas State University​

Christopher A Smith

Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Financial Aid