» Custom Research for Higher Education Institutions

Study any area related to your enrollment

To assist with measuring your constituents’ current perceptions, Ruffalo Noel Levitz offers full-service custom research capabilities from an enrollment management perspective.

Our custom research projects can include such elements as telephone and written surveys; in-depth interviews; predictive modeling; geodemography; focus groups; environmental scans; awareness and opinion measurement; research-based publications and Web sites; and audits of current practices, programs, and communications.

We have experience conducting small, medium, and large market research projects that are highly customized to each institution, campus, and system. Our research has helped institutions take the actions they needed to be more competitive.

FREE PHONE CONSULTATION

Have a research project you would like to conduct? Need data on prospective students, current students, your competition, or other key areas?
Talk to one of our experienced market research consultants. Contact us to tell us what you’d like to discuss and when you’re available, and we’ll set up a free phone consultation.

“We were looking for a company with a national perspective on market research for higher education so we could put our findings in the context of other institutions' experiences. [Ruffalo Noel Levitz] has provided that perspective, and they've been extremely responsive in meeting our needs.”

Debra Thomas, Former Assistant Vice President, College Communications, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Choose research with an enrollment management perspective

Our real-world admissions and retention experience is your assurance that you’ll get something useful—not another report that collects dust on a shelf.
You’ll work with an integrated team of campus researchers, communicators, and enrollment management consultants.
Our researchers use the most sophisticated methodologies available, including innovative research technologies.
We have years of experience monitoring “best practices” in admissions research and communications using our national surveys and benchmark polls.

Converting research to action

How can you turn market research into enrollment management actions? Here are four real-life examples:

Research revealed that high school guidance counselors near one university were playing a much more important role in student enrollment referrals than the national norm. As a result, the institution is expanding and adding depth to counselor communications.

Name recognition for one college was found to be just 60 percent in the college’s own back yard. Despite the lack of awareness, the institution’s reputation was excellent. Advertising and public relations strategies are now focusing on increasing name recognition in the surrounding community.

Where can you go to recruit students cost-effectively? One institution was planning travel to distant states, then learned that zip codes nearby were likely to be more productive. The result: travel expenses and a limited recruiting budget were kept under control.

Name recognition in one institution’s primary market area was found to be high, but consumers were unable to attach any attributes to its name. The institution is now developing its distinct identity with key marketing messages and a lead positioning line identified by the research.

“[Ruffalo Noel Levitz] did an excellent job of working with our campus representatives. Their consultants ensured that we were obtaining the information we wanted to glean from the market research. They considered everything in the construction of the surveys.”

Alisa Chapman, Assistant Vice President, University School Programs and Information Technology, University of North Carolina

Strategy Roadmap Solutions

RNL Market Research

Guide your enrollment decisions with solid research and data on academic demand, price sensitivity and cost, and other key areas.

RNL Strategic Enrollment Planning

Ensure long-term enrollment success and fiscal health by aligning your institution’s fiscal, academic, co-curricular, and enrollment resources with its changing environment.

RNL Comprehensive Consulting for Student Recruitment, Retention, and Financial Aid

Make your enrollment efforts more effective and efficient—from awareness to financial aid awarding to graduation.

RNL Web Strategy and Interactive Marketing Services

Drive online engagement and build connections that produce great enrollment results.