The new semester may have just started, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be looking to fill next semester’s empty seats. Now is the perfect time to start advertising your college or university. Read on to learn how billboards can increase student enrollment and get x tips to design a billboard advertising campaign for your school that’ll get an A+!
Universities and colleges face a number of unique challenges when it comes to attracting new students to their programs. According to research from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in US colleges and universities has declined over the past several years. And this trend is expected to continue over the next several years.
With fewer potential students to target – not to mention decreasing funding to put towards institutional advancement – it’s crucial that you stand out to prospective students, community members, and donors.
Billboard Advertising Reaches Potential Students, Community Members, & Donors
Outdoor advertising is the perfect opportunity to drive awareness for your programs. Why?
- Billboards can’t be ignored: Unlike many other forms of advertising, billboards can’t be turned off, thrown away, fast forwarded through or deleted. Brochures and bulk mailings are tossed without a second glance. Radio and television commercials are avoided. Emails sit unread for weeks before they’re eventually deleted. Not so with billboards!
- Billboards target people when they’re out and about:Would it surprise you to know that Americans spend most of their waking hours out of their homes? 70% to be exact, according to the OAAA! And we’re on the road more too! According to the Arbitron National In-Car Study, we average 210 miles every week. What better way to capture future students’ and potential donors’ attention than with a big and bold billboard?
- Billboards Work for Colleges & Universities: Colleges and universities of all different sizes across the US have experienced significant progress towards their goals after implementing outdoor advertising campaigns.
- Case Studies: Increased Enrollment
- City College of San Francisco: 34% increase in enrollment in just 2 months, resulting in $4.6 million in tuition to the college.
- Central Michigan University: 27% growth in freshmen class.
- Coastline Community College: 19% increase in enrollment over 3 years.
Case Studies Build Awareness & Strengthen Brand
- Oral Roberts University: 162 social media posts from prospective & current ORU students, resulting in over 647 likes, 35 comments & 500 shares.
- University of Colorado-Denver: 10.5 million print and online media impressions in 8 weeks.
- University of Arizona: Extensive media coverage highlighting UA’s accomplishments.