2026 Annual Report · Higher Education

The Enrollment Engagement Report

83% of students act when outreach feels personal. 60% lose interest when it doesn't. See what else 2,800+ students say about personalization, AI, "the dark funnel."

The Enrollment Engagement Report 2026 Download Capture Higher Ed
2,800
High school juniors and seniors surveyed
63%
Say generic outreach makes them less interested in a college
1 in 3
Dislike the idea of communicating with an AI agent

Get data-backed insights, including:

01
The reality of the dark funnel 53% of students applied or requested info without ever directly interacting with the institution. They're engaged. You just can't see it.
02
A lack of personalization is a deal-breaker 83% of students are more likely to take the next step when outreach feels personalized. Nearly 60% say generic messaging makes them less interested in a college.
03
Students use AI — but don't want colleges to 47% of students use AI tools during their college search, but 60% report a negative perception when institutional messaging feels AI-generated.
04
Email and direct mail still drive the journey Personalized email is the #1 outreach type most likely to prompt action
05
Students expect you to know them before they raise their hand 40% expect personalized outreach before ever submitting a form.

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