Private College Turns to Predictive Analytics to Grow Enrollment, Retention

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 12/03/18
3d chart from the screen of digital tablet computer

An Ohio institution is applying predictive analytics to grow its enrollment. Beginning in early 2019, Wittenberg University, a private nonprofit, will be applying predictive analytics services from SightLine, as it aims to expand enrollment from 1,900 students currently to 2,100 by 2020. Additionally, the analytics may also be used in efforts to boost retention rates of first-year students into their second year of study to 80 percent, from its current retention rate of 77 percent.

Beyond enrollment and retention activities, the project will also undertake an assessment to define what kinds of students "thrive" and are "best fit" at Wittenberg.

SightLine specifically serves small- and medium-sized institutions with its predictive models. The company explained in a statement that its mission is to enable schools to "strategically allocate limited resources towards improving student outcomes" through optimization of recruitment, enrollment, financial aid and alumni outreach processes.

"We have worked with public universities to create predictive analytics products that fit with the current needs of higher education, providing actionable results," said SightLine founder Ashley Kern, in a statement. "We are excited to expand our product line to support private colleges, such as Wittenberg University, that face similar challenges."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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