Florida Southern College is in the relationship-building business

Like many schools, Florida Southern College (FSC) had declining enrollment numbers in a crowded market, and had difficulty reaching students and potential students. Even with the best texting platform, the school still needed a smart strategy. Joe Madigan, the Director of Recruitment Outreach at FSC, worked with his admissions team to break down the barriers in the way of reaching students, because telephone calls and emails weren’t working.

Building relationships

Because students make an investment in their school, it’s important that they feel that the school is helping them achieve their goals. Students and prospective students respond to having their questions answered. 

Fact: Students admitted at a 10% higher rate when they texted with Florida Southern. 

Students find SMS prompts and reminders helpful*

• 86% of surveyed students said texts prompted them to complete unfinished tasks
• 85% of surveyed students said texts informed them about something they didn’t know they needed to do
• 84% of surveyed students said text reminders were useful in helping them get everything done before enrolling

There’s also a direct correlation to the accept-to-deposit yield and the number of text message exchanges between admissions and students.

Make it count

Texting works when the messages are clear, human, and, most of all, helpful. The best way to make sure your staff isn’t burning out the medium is to ask yourself this question before hitting send:

“Is this something students will be grateful to you for sending?”
- Joe Madigan

Want to learn more? 

Download the case study, "How Florida Southern College Builds Relationships with Texting."

*2018 E-Expectations Report