The Accessible Education Anchor
The Accessible Education Anchor
Persona Snapshot:
- Limited extracurricular activity
- Very few sports offerings
- Slightly fewer academic programs
- Lower postgraduate earnings
- Primarily rural campuses
- Cold climates
- Below-average cost
- A third of need left unmet
- Less stringent application requirements
*Standardized combination of application volume and yield rate.
This persona is typified by very small private schools (~1,000 undergraduates) located in the Midwest, as well as in the Southeast or West. These schools focus on serving low-income (39% of students), first-generation (36%), non-traditional (21%), and in-state students (66%). Their acceptance rate of 73% makes them relatively accessible, successfully serving these higher proportions of non-traditional students.
Key Differentiators
- High accessibility and moderate affordability
- Decent educational offerings and outcomes for schools of this size and selectivity
Key Disadvantages
- A more limited campus experience and student life
- A less dynamic surrounding environment
Common Questions from The Accessible Education Anchor
What’s the best way to mitigate the challenges of slow population growth in our area?
Develop strong pipelines with local high schools, community colleges and industries, while also targeting students in other regions.
How can we attract students from outside our immediate region?
Use digital marketing to reach broader audiences and emphasize your affordability and community-centered values as key differentiators.
Are Quintessential and Accessible Colleges a threat for students looking for a balanced experience?
Potentially, particularly for students seeking broader academic or campus options. Highlight your affordability and strong local ties to appeal to cost-sensitive students.