Reality check: relying solely on rankings and brochures for outreach won’t cut it

Our latest exclusive survey of high school students and their parents reveals that 95% of parents are using digital sources to explore post-secondary options. And the most popular method? Not what you might think. 

A full 70% of parents turn to basic web searches first—well ahead of traditional sources like U.S. News & World Report or college rankings. Platforms like College Board and Cappex follow closely, but social media and niche directories are gaining major traction. In fact, one in three parents consults social media to guide their decision-making. 

How parents use online/digital sources to guide their post-secondary search

This shift signals a massive opportunity for education marketers: if you’re not visible in the spaces where parents are actively searching, you’re missing out.

Want to know where students are searching and how their parents’ research aligns—or diverges? Our full white paper breaks down digital behavior patterns, trust factors, and the emotional drivers behind these crucial decisions. 

👉 Download the whitepaper now to uncover the insights shaping the next wave of post-secondary enrollment decisions.

Download

The 2nd Annual

Parent & Student Survey

FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

and learn how to better reach your most targeted enrollment segments: students and their parents.

This guide outlines the biggest current challenges of education marketers, and ideas showing how your enrollment strategy can overcome and thrive.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE WHITEPAPER

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95%

of parents are using digital sources to research post-secondary options for their children

95%

of ALL teens use YouTube

2x

the number of parents are considering vocational schools than their children

Other areas we cover that will help increase awareness of your institution among students and their parents:

  • The most important factors considered in the college search process:

    • what motivates students’ choices
    • what parents consider the most important factors
  • How students and their parents interact with school advertising:

    • The apps where students AND their parents spend most of their ‘social media’ time
    • What other sources are used for school research: digital, direct mail, etc.
  • How to use the survey insights to optimize your enrollment strategy:

    • Vocational schools
    • Community colleges
    • Four-year universities

We’re proud of our work

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you adapt to the evolving education marketing landscape and ramp up your efforts, please contact us today.

advance education parent and student survey whitepaper

OUR LATEST WHITEPAPER

The 2nd Annual

Parent & Student Survey

Advance Education surveyed more than 500 high school students and over 500 parents of high school students about their journey to decide what’s next after high school graduation. This survey uncovers the motivations driving their choices.

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Let’s work together on your student enrollment strategy.