Case Study: University of Delaware achieves larger, more selective and diverse entering classes and higher net revenue with Ruffalo Noel Levitz’s financial aid leveraging solution

University of Delaware - Customer Case Study

The University of Delaware, a large research-intensive Land Grant institution, was struggling to meet enrollment targets while also improving first-year class scholastic achievement and diversity; its existing financial aid leveraging model was not delivering the desired results. To address these challenges UD partnered with Ruffalo Noel Levitz, adopting a new financial aid leveraging system and conducting a price sensitivity analysis alongside strategic search initiatives.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz’s financial aid leveraging system and market analysis allowed UD to track enrollment trends, adjust awards in real time, and launch two new first‑year admissions programs, producing measurable gains: the fall 2014 class was the largest and most diverse in school history, yield rose by 3 percentage points over two years and average SAT increased by 37 points (2400 scale). For fall 2015 selectivity rose 4 points, yield 1 point, average SAT was up 15 points year‑over‑year, discount rate held steady, and enrollment was projected 200 students above goal — outcomes Ruffalo Noel Levitz helped the university achieve while improving net revenue.

University of Delaware