Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Real-Time Data Quiz – a quick and easy way for you to see the latest learnings in higher ed via the multi-focused lenses of MARKETview.
Simply answer three multiple-choice questions then scroll down to get answers and commentary. Best of all, instead of grades, this quiz hands out insights that you can use to inform enrollment planning at your institution.
So, let’s get started, class is now in session!
Q1 Category: First-Year Retention
Students who inquire as a sophomore or junior have a first-year retention rate of 88.1%, whereas students who inquire in senior year retain at __? A) 90.3% B) 84.7% C) 81.1%
Q2 Category: Current Challenges
Of the recent disruptors in higher education, which was voted the most problematic for institutions? A) The affirmative action ruling B) FAFSA changes and delays C) Updates to sophomore/junior search
Q3 Category: Academic Interests
Based on very early 2024 deposit activity, which academic programs are the most popular? A) Biology Sciences B) Business C) Liberal Arts
See the answers below …
Ready to see how MARKETview can help you spend more time getting answers than asking questions?
The school year in which a student first inquires is an important metric to measure. The 7-percentage-point gap in first-year retention between seniors and underclassmen (according to the most recent IPEDs data) equates to disruptions in educations as well as millions of dollars in lost revenue for colleges and universities. By identifying hidden risks, student by student, you can know more about who’s the right-fit for your institution sooner than ever before.
A) The affirmative action ruling B) FAFSA changes and delays C) Updates to sophomore/junior search
According to the 2023 MARKETview Annual Survey Report, an overwhelming 58.1% of responders cited the FAFSA updates as the biggest hurdle with College Board changes coming in second at 21.6%, and affirmative action placing third at 6.8%. This hierarchy makes sense as so much decision-making hinges on having the FAFSA in hand—with the delay in releasing the form only increasing the anxiety and uncertainty. The other two disruptors, while vitally important, just weren’t as time sensitive as the rollout of the Better FAFSA.
Through December 15, Business represented18.1% of total deposit volume, with Liberal Arts at 10.3%, and Biology Sciences close behind at 9.4%. Another noticeable stat was the 26.5% YOY increase in Nursing, which may suggest growing interest in the Health Sciences. Once again, this is based on very early deposit data. MARKETview will continue to monitor (and report on) activity throughout every stage of the funnel in the weeks and months ahead.
How did you do on the quiz? Actually, that’s not really the important thing. We just hope that you found the content interesting and gained valuable insights along the way.
If you enjoyed this format, please be on the lookout for our next installment of The Real-Time Data Quiz. And if you have any immediate questions for more information about MARKETview, feel free to reach out to us here. We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Class dismissed!
Subscribe to our monthly Enrollment Essentials newsletter to see the latest insights, downloads, and upcoming events from the experts at MARKETview.
