With the latest NACUBO survey reporting an average discount rate for private schools exceeding 50% and other analyses showing softness in student demand, one has to wonder how these two factors will play out. In our experience with over eighty schools of various sizes and success levels, some observations are in order. 1.      Those with the highest […]

It's a question we hear frequently. As hard as they’ve tried, new student numbers steadily decline while tuition discounting eclipses price increases. Budgeting is an annual ritual of optimistic projections in the spring followed by reactive cost cuts the following fall. Student to faculty ratios decline. Maintenance is deferred. There is a pall over the campus. I […]

In a day of reduced student demand, a number of colleges have turned to their athletic programs to help fill a portion of excess capacity.  The idea is that an additional student paying anything is better than no student at all. At the outset, let me say that this strategy can be helpful within the […]

After publishing a list of twenty characteristics that are common to healthy institutions, some conversations have ensued with various clients, asking about other components.  Tuition discounting has been the most popular.  So, here is a list updated to 25 characteristics.  See how you are doing in comparison with these standards: Annual net tuition per traditional […]