Case Study: Aurora University achieves 19% new-student growth and $3.2M net revenue increase with Ruffalo Noel Levitz’s RNL Class Optimizer

Aurora University - Customer Case Study

Aurora University, a private four‑year institution in Illinois, partnered with Ruffalo Noel Levitz to address enrollment and revenue challenges—particularly a culture that treated financial aid as a fixed budget line rather than a strategic lever. Over a 17‑year relationship the university sought help growing new student numbers, improving retention, raising net revenue, and increasing diversity while working within existing recruitment budgets.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz implemented its RNL Class Optimizer modeling and Advanced FinAid Solutions tools, providing data‑driven discounting and enrollment strategies that the university adopted quickly. The results include 19% growth in new student enrollment in the last five years (852 to 1,022), 233% growth over 17 years (300 to 1,000+), a $3.2M (33%) increase in net revenue in five years and $11.2M over 17 years (from $1.5M to $12.7M), doubled Hispanic and minority enrollment (now 35% and 51%), and a 10‑point improvement in new‑student retention (64% to 74%).

Aurora University

James Lancaster

Assistant Vice President for Enrollment