The 90 Day Enrollment Strategy Colleges Need Now
90-Day Framework for Change
Families want clarity, speed, and simplicity in the enrollment process. Insights from Advance Education’s 3rd Annual Parent & Student Survey make it clear that institutions cannot wait a year to adapt. A focused 90 day plan creates fast wins in the areas families feel most: visibility, value, and confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
➜ Change can happen in 90 days with focused effort.
➜ Visibility, clarity, and support shape enrollment decisions.
➜ Institutions that act quickly stand out in an AI driven search landscape.
Phase 1 (Days 1 to 30): Improve Findability
Families begin their search with AI and Google.
- Publish clear answers for costs, deadlines, and outcomes.
- Add freshness signals.
- Update key pages for AI readability.
Goal: Become discoverable and trustworthy.
Phase 2 (Days 31 to 60): Strengthen Value Clarity
Parents and students want proof.
- Add cost-to-complete tools.
- Share major-level ROI snapshots.
- Use authentic student stories to build connection.
Goal: Communicate real value quickly.
Phase 3 (Days 61 to 90): Humanize the Experience
Belonging drives decisions.
- Host parent and student webinars.
- Share first year readiness content.
- Highlight mental health and advising support.
Goal: Build confidence that moves families forward.
Download the full report: Explore the full 90 day framework and the survey findings shaping how families choose colleges in 2026.
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3rd Annual Parent & Student Survey
The New Rules Of Higher Education Marketing
How AI and Shifting Family Priorities are Reshaping Student Recruitment
Top motivators for both parents and students
Workbook ideas and prompts for all types of higher ed institutions
90-day framework for implementation
OUR LATEST WHITEPAPER
3rd Annual Parent & Student Survey
The New Rules Of Higher Education Marketing
How AI and Shifting Family Priorities are Reshaping Student Recruitment
AI isn’t new. It’s normal. Students and parents alike are increasingly using LLMs for research – for everything from homework help to their best options for higher education. If families already use AI to choose, the question is: how is your institution meeting them there? Our latest whitepaper outlines how to publish AI-readable answers to the most asked questions, making your value legible to both humans and machines.
