Apples and Oranges: A Guide to Choosing the Right AI Enrollment Platform

"AI-powered" platforms are everywhere right now, and at a passing glance they can all look pretty similar. With so many options in the market, choosing one can feel impossible, especially if "speaking AI" isn't your first language. And at a time when budgets (and bandwidth) are shrinking, how can you justify another tool?

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We're here to help. This guide will walk you through the "why" behind choosing one of these platforms, factors to consider while you weigh your options, and actionable recommendations to help you make the best decision for your institution.

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What Are We Talking About, Again?

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AI enrollment platforms use advanced technologies like machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, and natural language processing (NLP) to enhance and automate student recruitment. As a result, they can analyze massive amounts of data to personalize engagement and improve conversion rates at every stage of the enrollment funnel.

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In addition to improving efficiency, these platforms can facilitate more meaningful connections with students by providing personalized, relevant, and engaging interactions. With the right AI platform, colleges and universities can create Netflix-level personalization and turn passive inquiries into engaged applicants (and deposits!)

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Why Are They Important?

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The numbers don’t lie—86% of undecided prospects choose the college that gives them personalized info and answers first. But traditional recruitment methods just can’t keep up. That’s where AI comes in. With instant responses, tailored recommendations, and real-time insights, AI gives institutions the edge they need to stand out and connect with students faster. And, even if you aren't facing an uphill battle for enrollment, tools like these can take the experience you provide to prospective students to the next level—who wouldn't want that?

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What to Think About When You're Evaluating an AI Enrollment Platform

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Flashy features might grab your attention, but the right platform needs to align with your institution’s goals and address the specific challenges you're facing.

Here’s what to look for:

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1. Personalization Features

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Personalization is the buzzword but individualization is where the magic happens. While some tools stop at capturing a student's first name, last name, phone number and email address, platforms like Halda gather additional information about a student's interests and goals. As a result, they excel in their ability to deliver tailored content based on behavioral and demographic data at the individual level—in real time. Whether it's through automated recommendation engines or dynamic forms and surveys, personalization should be core to the platform you choose, but dig deep to see how far a vendor can take that for you.

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What to Look For: 

• Dynamic content personalization (email, SMS, web). 
• The ability to understand a student's interests and intent beyond first name, last name, phone number and email
• Behavioral tracking tools to refine messaging. 
• Recommendation engines for tailored program suggestions or event invites.

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2. Scalability

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Your platform should grow with your institution. Small colleges may not need enterprise-level capabilities today, but with rising enrollment goals, scalability is critical. Make sure the platform can handle increasing data volumes, more users, and broader functionality without losing performance.

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Questions to Ask Your Vendor: 

• Can the platform handle both seasonal spikes and long-term growth? 
• What is the maximum capacity for student profiles or users? 
• Are there additional costs for scaling?

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3. Integration Capabilities

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A good AI platform should work seamlessly with the tools you already use, like your CRM, SIS, or LMS. When software doesn’t connect, it creates extra work and slows things down, making your recruitment process less effective. If your website, phone outreach and SMS messages are tightly integrated that’s event better. 

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Platforms like Halda make life easier by seamlessly integrating with tools like Slate and Salesforce and connecting your engagement channels like phone and SMS, for smooth and reliable data flow and engagement.

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4. Data Handing and Ethics

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Take a close look at data privacy, security measures, and whether everything complies with institutional and regulatory standards. Make sure the solution has clear protocols for responsible data use and includes regular checks for bias and fairness.

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5. User Experience (UX)

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Your enrollment team and prospective students will both be using this platform, so it needs to be super easy to navigate. Go for something intuitive that makes the experience smooth for everyone. Look for features like clear reporting dashboards, simple setup, and a user-friendly interface that students will love.

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6. Cost-Effectiveness

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While AI enrollment platforms can bring significant ROI, affordability is critical. Calculate the total cost of ownership, including setup fees, licensing, training, and maintenance costs. Does the vendor offer flat, annual pricing or is it variable based on your lead volume or integration needs? Are there case studies to demonstrate how ROI can offset the cost of the platform? Does the platform offer features that could allow you to remove line items from your budget? Keep these question in your back pocket as you're evaluating vendors.

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7. Reporting and Analytics

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An AI platform should provide actionable insights through real-time data and analytics. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like lead-to-enroll conversion rates, engagement metrics, and ROI should be easily accessible, ideally in an intuitive dashboard.

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8. Customer Support

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Have you ever signed on for a new product only to be left to fend for yourself after an initial "onboarding meeting?" We've all been there, and with newer technologies, having a hands on approach to customer support is non-negotiable. Ask direct questions about each vendor's approach to customer support, training, documentation and responsiveness. The best vendors work alongside you in the trenches, provide direction when you need it and are reachable when something urgent comes up.

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Example Comparison Table

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Now that we've covered some of the biggest factors for evaluation, here’s a handy chart you can use why you're going through the process:

Narrowing Down Your Options

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Here’s how to narrow down your options and select the AI platform that’s the best fit:

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1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying your top enrollment challenges and desired outcomes. Are you focused on increasing outreach efficiency, boosting engagement, or improving conversions? If you're more focused on student experience, think about the platforms that have optimized for that.
2. Engage the Right Stakeholders: Include representatives from across-functional departments during the evaluation process.
3. Request a Demo: Many platforms, including Halda, offer detailed demos to show exactly how their tools work. This will give you a hands-on understanding of how to use the technology and give you a chance to ask deeper questions.

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From Personalization to Individualization 

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Halda’s AI Enrollment Platform stands out for several reasons:

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1. Real-Time Individualization: Halda provides instant, tailored recommendations to students based on behavioral data, improving application-to-enrollment conversions by an average of 112%.
2. Full-Funnel Coverage: From lead generation to enrollment, Halda streamlines every stage of the process, so no prospect slips through the cracks.
3. User-Centric Interface: The platform is intuitive for both staff and students, enabling fast adoption and high satisfaction.
4. Proven Results: Halda’s clients have seen up to 3X increases in conversion rates and significant improvements in enrollment efficiency.
5. A stellar student experience: With a 97% satisfaction rate among students across 150+ partners, Halda's platform creates a white glove experience throughout the admissions process.

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Choosing the Right AI Platform Doesn't Have to You a Headache

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There's a lot of noise out there, but choosing the right tool for your institution can be simpler than you think. The key is to find a platform that fits your needs, has a track record of success, and is easy to use. With the right tools, you can make life easier for your staff, provide a better experience for your students, and open the door to new opportunities for growth and innovation.