Let’s talk about a question I hear more than you’d think: “Should we bring in enrollment management consultants?”
Sometimes it comes from a president staring down a five-year enrollment slide. Other times it’s from a VP of Enrollment who feels their team is doing everything they can—but still not hitting targets. Either way, the need behind the question is always the same: something has to change, and you need help making it happen.
But let’s be honest—not all consultants are created equal.
The right enrollment consultant isn’t just someone who delivers a report. They’re a partner who helps your team execute with clarity, objectivity, and speed. They see blind spots, challenge assumptions, and, most importantly, they help you build systems—not just ideas.
Let me walk you through when it makes sense to bring in outside support… and when it doesn’t.
When to Consider Enrollment Management Consultants:
You’ve exhausted internal strategies. You’ve optimized your CRM, tried new outreach channels, refreshed your website—and yet, yield is flat. That’s a signal it’s time for a new lens.
Your internal teams don’t agree on priorities. Marketing is chasing one goal, admissions another, and the registrar’s buried in compliance. Consultants can help break silos and establish shared KPIs.
You need expertise in high-yield segments like transfers. This is where our team at DegreeSight Consulting often comes in. Most campuses underestimate how many credits walk out the door each year. When we do a Transfer Friendliness Assessment, we uncover opportunities that no CRM alone can.
You’re planning a tech upgrade. New enrollment systems, CRMs, or student portals sound great—until you realize how complex the transition is. A consultant can build your RFP, lead vendor conversations, and protect your timeline.
What to Avoid:
Hiring a consultant just for optics. If you’re not ready to implement what they recommend, you’ll end up with a binder and no impact.
Looking for “one-size-fits-all” strategies. You need a partner who tailors recommendations to your unique programs, region, and student mix.
Expecting them to replace your team. The best consultants empower your internal staff—not displace them.
At DegreeSight, we approach consulting differently. It’s not just about advising—it’s about embedding best practices into your operations. We bring tools like DegreeSight’s INBOUND, support your SIS integration, and build internal capacity with your staff.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to bring in help, let’s have a real conversation. Start with a Transfer Friendliness Assessment, and we’ll show you where outside support can make the biggest impact.
