University of Maine
Data-Driven Strategy to Exceed Enrollment Benchmarks
Solutions
The Challenge.
In 2023, the University of Maine’s flagship campus faced a series of challenges—among them narrowing student pipelines in primary recruitment markets in Maine and New England more broadly, a fiercely competitive higher education environment, and a new statewide free community college initiative with the promise to build transfer momentum but the risk of immediate impact to first year enrollment.
The Strategy.
Over the past three years, Carnegie has partnered with the University to provide a thorough review of grant and scholarship strategies for both resident and nonresident students and first year and transfer populations, yield modeling, new student projections, and custom simulations of focused scholarship investments in key academic program areas like Forestry and Computer Science.
During this period, the UMaine admission and aid teams also engaged in a comprehensive assessment of student-facing processes which led to faster admission decisions following application submission, enabled more timely notification of scholarships, and led to comprehensive financial aid packages provided months before Fall ‘24 deposit deadlines despite a difficult new FAFSA rollout.
Following the launch, Carnegie conducted benchmarking studies and monitored campaign performance. These critical efforts enabled ongoing measurement, optimization, and refinement of the brand’s impact over time.
The Results.
These investments and process improvements have driven both headcount and net tuition revenue success at UMaine; first year headcount enrollment is up more than 10% over 2023 alongside an 8% improvement in first year net tuition revenue per student. New transfer student enrollment is also up more than 10%. This has exceeded growth at other four-year public institutions in the region and nationwide. UMaine has also achieved this headcount and net revenue success while improving commitments to access and serving more in-state students across both first year and transfer populations.
10%
Year-over-year increase in first year headcount
8%
First year net tuition revenue per student
10%
New transfer student enrollment
“Our partnership with Carnegie transformed our enrollment strategy. With their expert guidance in scholarship modeling, enrollment forecasting, and process optimization, we grew first-year and transfer enrollment by over 10% and increased net tuition revenue. Together, we exceeded regional and national benchmarks while deepening our commitment to access for Maine students.” Kevin B. Coughlin
Ph.D. Vice President of Enrollment Management
University of Maine
Related Case Studies.
-
Georgia Southern University Case Study
With new leadership at the helm, Georgia Southern University needed a comprehensive strategic partner to lift their brand and reputation to match the caliber of the research... -
Cleveland State University Case Study
When Cleveland State University needed to grow in a competitive environment and redefine its Student Search strategy, enrollment leadership turned to Carnegie for a strategic and personalized... -
Florida Atlantic University Case Study
Located in a highly competitive South Florida market, Florida Atlantic University needed an efficient and cost-effective way to connect with prospective students and build its enrollment pipeline.