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Can universities in Indiana buck the trend

Indiana may be one of the smaller US states but it packs a big punch when it comes to higher education, with several top-ranked universities and programs.

‘The Hoosier State’ combines the thrills and spills of the Indy 500, with the slow-paced life of the Amish Country, and everything in between.

It’s the perfect location for international students who want to experience all that American life has to offer, but like many US states, overseas enrollment numbers are falling1.

Not only that, but research also shows that Indiana’s college-going rate is at its lowest point in recent history. Just 59% of 2019 high school graduates enrolled in higher education, which means both in-state and international enrollments are on the decline.

Why do you need international students?

International student numbers have been falling in Indiana over several years. In 2019, the economic contribution of international students in Indiana dropped below the $1 billion mark thanks to a 3% decline in enrollments in the state2.

In the same year, international students supported more than 10,000 jobs in the state. This highlights just how important international students are for the whole economy of Indiana, not just your institution.

With domestic student numbers taking a hit, and the Covid-19 pandemic likely to impact international student numbers further still, it’s more important than ever to maximize your recruitment efforts.

Boosting Indiana up the rankings

In Studee’s recent research which ranked the best student states in the US, Indiana came in at a modest 28th. The rankings are based on a range of factors, including the number of top-ranking universities, tuition costs, crime rates, and average salary.

With many great cities like Indianapolis, Columbus, and Bloomington, and so much to offer, Indiana really should be ranking higher.

With 27 states ranking above, you have your work cut out to rise above the crowd and convince international students to choose you. Luckily, that’s where Studee comes in - we’ve helped more than 200,000 international students start their study abroad adventure. Let's find the perfect students for your university.

How to buck the trend

Here are a few of the ways your admissions team can boost your international enrollments:

Improve your communication with international students

Applying to a university abroad is no easy feat, and that’s why international students need plenty of support and encouragement from your admissions teams.

Staying in touch using the right channels can be the difference between a successful application and another unsuccessful lead. Take the time to use the tools that today’s students engage best with, and make sure you’re available at the right time.

Your university website is one of the most important tools at your disposal, so optimizing it to meet their needs should be one of your main priorities. It’s usually a student's first stop when checking out what you offer, so you need to make sure it’s easy for them to find the information they need.

Find out today how Studee can help make sure your applicants are nurtured throughout their journey right up to enrollment.

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Promote your scholarships and financial aid

Money is one of the biggest barriers to studying abroad, and it’s no surprise that scholarships are one of the most-searched-for terms amongst international students.

That’s why promoting any scholarships or financial aid you offer can really boost your enrollments. It’s also important to be upfront and honest about the cost of studying at your university, including things like accommodation and living expenses.

Offering financial education and support services to international students is a great way to stand out from the competition. Not only can it help reassure students that they can manage financially, but it will also show that you care about the issues that are most important to them, and reduce dropout rates.

Talk about your diversity

Studying on a vibrant and diverse campus can be a huge draw for international students. Knowing that you have an active international community they can get involved in will reassure them that they’ll feel at home.

Make sure you also promote things like your LGBTQ+ community, support for those with physical disabilities, and religious groups. This will show that you are an inclusive institution, and will help all students feel like they’ll be welcome and supported.

Many students will know about the diversity of big multi-cultural US cities like New York and Los Angeles, but might be unsure about Indiana. Celebrating the culture of your local area is another surefire way to convince students that your institution is right for them.

Work with Studee

Our team of NAFSA-trained advisors speak to international students every day - it’s what we do. We know the admissions process inside-out, so can easily find the leads that meet your entry requirements, meaning you only get high-quality applicants.

Book a free, non-obligatory meeting today to find out how we can support you in finding the perfect international students, and reaching your recruitment goals.

1 The Higher Education Chronicle

2 NAFSA