Our “How Military Friendly Schools Rise Above Their Peers” webinar highlighted the importance of effective strategies for attracting and engaging military students. With approximately 250,000 individuals transitioning from military service annually, schools have a significant opportunity to serve this population. Our data shows that schools with strategic outreach programs see a 30% increase in military student enrollment. This blog post outlines the key strategies that Military Friendly® Schools employ to connect with prospective and current military students.
Strategic Sourcing Channels:
Military Friendly® Schools utilize a variety of channels to reach military students. These include transition programs, military bases, government resources like Skillsbridge and state workforce centers, and both in-person and virtual open houses and school fairs. Social media, web-based platforms, alumni associations, student referrals, and community groups also play a crucial role. For example, some schools partner with local bases to host information sessions for potential military students.
The Four Pillars of Military Student Marketing:
A successful marketing strategy for military students is built on four pillars: strategy, research, promotion, and analysis. A genuine strategy aligned with the school’s values is essential. Thorough research to understand the audience and avoid stereotypes is crucial. Authentic student stories and realistic expectations should be shared in promotional materials. Finally, continuous analysis helps institutions understand what works best for attracting military students. For example, we found that using video testimonials from veteran students increased engagement by 25%.
The Importance of Clear Communication and Building Trust:
Clear communication and building trust are essential for effective engagement with military students. Clearly communicating program benefits and support services attracts military students. Consistent engagement and a genuine commitment build trust over time. We have seen that schools with dedicated military student landing pages have a higher rate of applications.
Leveraging Commitment and Policies in Marketing:
Schools that publicly emphasize their commitment to the military community and highlight their military-supportive policies, such as Choice Act compliance and Principles of Excellence, attract military students. We have seen that schools that highlight their compliance with the 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success see an increase in applications from military students.
Conclusion:
Attracting and engaging military students requires a multi-faceted approach that combines strategic outreach, authentic messaging, and a genuine commitment. Military Friendly® Schools that prioritize these strategies create a welcoming and supportive environment for military students.
Interested in reaching more potential military students? Connect with one of our Military Marketing Experts and find out what works best for your school: Military Outreach Discussion
