Case Study: Mid-Sized Southwestern Public University grows enrollment and net tuition revenue with Ruffalo Noel Levitz Strategic Enrollment Planning

Building Enrollment Strategies for Long-Term Success in a Turbulent Higher Education Environment

A mid-sized Southwestern public university faced a long period of flat enrollment and then saw enrollment rise 12% while net tuition revenue fell 10%. To address the tradeoff between growth and income, the university turned to Ruffalo Noel Levitz for Strategic Enrollment Planning support.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz worked with campus leaders on a situation analysis, data review, and a broad planning process that involved 70 campus members across eight committees and 143 initial ideas. Twelve strategies were funded through a $1 million venture fund, and the university later reported a $6.6 million increase in net tuition revenue, 985 more students, and a 442% return on investment; over five years, applications rose 95%, first-time, full-time enrollment 49%, total fall enrollment 45%, and retention rate 6%.