Enrollment and Retention Blog

The Positive Effects of AI on Enrollment and Retention

Written by Kathy Brahan | Aug 24, 2021 12:45:00 PM

Colleges and universities are looking for ways to overcome the incredible enrollment and retention challenges caused by demographic shifts and intensified by the lingering impact of the pandemic.

Many are looking to AI and machine-learning platforms, like Othot’s, to find best-fit students most likely to enroll and graduate.

In fact, some of the leading higher education organizations, The Association for Institutional Research (AIR), EDUCAUSE, and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), issued a joint statement asking higher ed leaders to commit to using data and analytics to make better strategic decisions.

How Does AI Help with Enrollment and Retention?

By combining the data they already have with the power of AI and machine-learning platforms, like Othot’s, higher education institutions understand students better and make more informed decisions.

Many are using AI and machine learning to meet the challenges of the demographic cliff and pandemic.

Institutions that use data and analytics to make decisions push the boundaries of what is achievable and overcome challenges, and more importantly, help their students experience the value and achieve the success they desire and deserve.

Some schools using data and advanced analytics have seen increases in enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue.

The Measurable Impact of AI on Enrollment and Retention

Othot partner schools have consistently outperformed market expectations—even during the pandemic. Institutions that actively used Othot’s predictive and prescriptive analytics throughout the 2020 enrollment cycle countered the national trend of steep enrollment declines.

By providing a deeper understanding of their students, AI and machine learning help institutions make data-informed decisions that lead to measurable results. Overall, advanced analytics have helped our partners achieve:

  • A 34% increase in enrollment
  • A 3% increase in retention
  • A $5M increase NTR
Download our infographic to
learn how AI is helping campuses
succeed during these challenging times.


Getting Started with AI

It’s not difficult to get started using data and AI at your institution.

But it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve created a checklist to help you prepare for your journey and have a team ready to assist you.

For more information about how advanced analytics and AI can help your institution, contact us at othotteam@othot.com.