By the Numbers: Recruitment Mid-year Check-in

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is demonstrating exceptional growth and appeal as it approaches the fall 2024 semester. Notably, the college has witnessed a significant 36.5% increase in net enrollment deposits from 2023, indicating a strong student interest and commitment to enroll. This growth surpasses the overall university trend, as JMC also experienced an 8.3% rise in applications, outperforming the university's average. Impressively, JMC leads among UNL colleges with the highest Enrollment Deposit (ED) Yield Rate at 22.7%, reflecting the highest proportion of committed students compared to other colleges, which underscores the college's exceptional attractiveness and the strong inclination of applicants to pursue their education at JMC.

Funnel Report 

The college is currently up across all stages of the funnel, with the largest percentage increase in deposits, which have grown from 85 in 2023 to 116 today.

Currently, 23% of students who have applied have already paid their enrollment deposit, compared to 18% last year.

University-wide

The University is down slightly in applications but up in admits and deposits. However, the college exceeds the University in overall growth.

Enrollment Deposits

Prospective students have until May 1 to pay their enrollment deposit. A paid enrollment deposit is a good indicator of a student’s intention to enroll at the university. Students admitted to our college are paying their enrollment deposit at a higher rate than students admitted to other colleges or the Explore Center.

Underrepresented Students

The college is seeing an increase in admits from underrepresented groups, growing from 109 admits, or 25.6% of admits last year, to 125 admits or 28.2% this year. However, enrollment deposits are down for underrepresented students, dropping from 20 in 2023, or 23.5% of all enrollment deposits, to 19, or 16.4% this year.

Focusing on connecting with underrepresented students in upcoming yield initiatives will be important.

Gender

We are seeing growth across the recruitment funnel for male students. This is a positive trend for a college that has a long history of being majority female. 

First-Generation Students

While the college saw a dip in applications from first-generation students, we have seen increases in first-generation admits and deposits. 

Focus on Yield

As we move into the spring semester, our recruiting efforts will shift from application generation to yield. In addition to continuing to participate in campus and college recruiting events and workshops, we will also conduct calling, letter and digital campaigns focused on encouraging students to pay their enrollment deposits.