Confidently choose your enrollment and success partner.

Not all enrollment + success Partners are created equal—ask the questions that reveal the difference.

1. Do you own your student data?

You should have full ownership of every student record, after all, you pay for it. That data is vital for real-time decision-making, year-over-year analysis, and long-term planning. And if the partnership ends, you shouldn’t lose access to the insights that drive your success.

2. Is the contract built around your needs—or theirs?

You should have the freedom to start and end your partnership without penalties. Long-term contracts may offer benefits like cost savings and consistency, but flexibility ensures the relationship prioritizes your performance, and adapts with you as the landscape changes.

3. Is the partnership custom-built—or off the shelf?

Your scope should reflect your priorities. Look for a partner who co-creates your plan, combining your needs with their strategic expertise.

4. Can you see performance in real time?

Your partner should offer full transparency into communications, ad campaigns, funnel performance, and engagement data. Real-time visibility empowers you to act on insights and clearly report outcomes to stakeholders.

5. Will you have a consistent, expert team?

Ensure you’re supported by a dedicated strategist and team that understands your institution—so you’re not reintroducing your goals with every call.

6. Are strategies integrated across the student journey?

True partners connect enrollment and student success strategies into one holistic approach—like advanced persona segmentation and engagement scoring that influence every touchpoint from prospect to thriving student.

7. How will your partner help you deliver true personalization?

Look for segmentation powered by psychographic insights—not just demographics. The right partner will help apply these profiles across channels to create meaningful, personalized experiences that drive action and generate affinity.

8. Do you have full access to your Student Search CRM system?

You deserve complete visibility. That includes workflows, engagement scoring, reporting, and analytics. More transparency = stronger outcomes.

9. Is the lead strategy diversified?

Avoid one-size-fits-all sourcing. The right partner is source agnostic and supports a multi-execution strategy, using a blend of first- and third-party lead sources to build a pipeline that’s both high-yielding and future-ready.

10. What yield strategies are built in?

Look for conversation-optimized strategies—like market analysis before name buys, engagement scoring from application to enrollment, personalized viedo, and a smart financial aid approach—to attract students who will thrive.

11. How does your partner support student success?

Retention should be part of the strategy from day one. Strong partners offer student success assessments, roadmap development, and programs that build community and belonging.

12. Who owns the assets?

Everything created in your partnership—data, content, tools, and designs—should belong to you. Why? Because these assets don’t just power one initiative; they fuel future campaigns, inform strategy, and build lasting institutional value. That’s the mark of a true partner.

Ask these 12 questions in your next partnership conversation—we think it will make all the difference!

Ready to rethink what’s possible?

If you’re seeking a partner who works as an extension of your team, leads with data, applies proven scientific methodology to build real student connections, and supports the full journey from inquiry to graduation—Carnegie can help.

We’re offering free strategy sessions this June to help institutions explore modern approaches to enrollment and student success. Fill out this short form to connect with an expert and start your next cycle with confidence.