There was an interesting article in the New York Times today concerning the recruitment tactics that U.S. colleges are using to attract international students. The article found that in many cases colleges are lowering their standards to recruit these students who are more than willing to pay top dollar to attend college in the United States. The trouble is that “educators worry that students may be victimized by high-pressure sales tactics, and that universities are trading away academic standards by recruiting less qualified students who pay higher tuition,” (Saul, NY Times, April 19, 2016).

It is a difficult situation.

What once started as a recruitment effort aimed at making a more “global community” on college campuses has shifted. It is turning more towards a business of getting more tuition dollars for the schools.These tuition dollars often come at the expense of U.S. college students who have earned their place on a state school’s campus. International students are not always held to the same rigor to which our local students are held. This means it is not always enough to be smart–U.S. students are competing against students who are often a better “business transaction” for the school.

What is a local student to do?

Local families MUST choose the right fit colleges, market their students the right way, and convince a college of their interest in attending. We can show you. Call us if you’d like to learn more about strategic enrollment management and student positioning.

To read the full New York Times article, click here.