Case Study: Wofford College achieves data-driven tuition modeling for financial sustainability with Synario

Visualizing New Tuition Revenue Options Against Marketable Initiatives

Wofford College, a private liberal arts college in South Carolina, faced the challenge of standing out nationally and attracting higher‑quality applicants while protecting financial sustainability—about 85% of its revenue comes from comprehensive fees. The finance team used the Synario modeling platform to evaluate five tuition models (including Tuition Reset, Inflation Plus, Tuition Promise, Three‑Year Degree, and Continuing Student Scholarships) alongside a set of marketable initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience.

Using Synario, Wofford created interactive, live slide decks that combined revenue models and initiatives so the president and cabinet could adjust assumptions in real time. Synario’s scenario analysis showed that a Tuition Reset UP (10% first‑year growth) paired with select initiatives (Scenario #3) produced the most marketable positioning while improving projected contributions to operating reserves; the tool sped decision‑making, increased stakeholder buy‑in, and is now regularly used in Wofford’s strategic planning and board communications.

Wofford College

Chris Gardner

Associate Vice President of Finance