Higher Ed Marketing Insider

Higher Education Trends & Strategies 2025

• Will Scott • Season 1 • Episode 8

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The Future of Education Marketing: How AI Will Transform Higher Ed in 2025

Join us on The Deep Dive as we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize education marketing by 2025. From 

AI agents like Element 451's 'Corey' to personalized learning plans and proactive student support, AI is reshaping how schools engage with students. We delve into real-world examples, including a case study from Georgia State University, and highlight critical trends such as micro credentials and virtual reality in education. 

Additionally, we examine the crucial role of affordability, campus life, and ethical considerations. Don't miss this comprehensive overview of the future landscape of education!

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education Marketing
00:22 The Rise of AI Agents in Higher Education
01:22 Personalized Student Support with AI
02:18 AI's Impact on Institutional Decision Making
03:03 AI in Education Marketing Strategies
04:31 Balancing Technology and Human Touch
05:02 Factors Influencing Student Choices
07:07 Emerging Trends: Micro Credentials and VR
09:13 Key Takeaways and Future Considerations
09:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about the Higher Education Marketing Institute:

  • Website: https://highereducationmarketinginstitute.com/
  • X: https://x.com/HEMInstitute
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-education-marketing-institute/
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEducationMarketing
Jill:

Welcome to the Deep Dive. Today, we're diving into how AI is going to transform education marketing by 2025. You know, uh, we've got a ton of material here. Marketing guides, blog posts, trend reports, even research on how students are choosing their schools. It's going to be fascinating.

Jack:

Yeah, definitely exciting times. We'll break it all down so you can see exactly how AI is impacting both schools and students, you know.

Jill:

Okay, so one thing that keeps popping up is, um, AI agents. In fact, Element 451 is calling 2025, The year of the AI agent for higher ed. What's the big deal here? What makes these different?

Jack:

Well, I mean, we're all used to basic AI chatbots. Okay. And personalized emails. But AI agents are a whole other level. Think of an AI that can reason, adapt, even predict what a student needs before they even ask for help. That's new.

Jill:

That sounds pretty incredible. Um, do you have like a real world example? How would that play out?

Jack:

Let's see. Element 451, uh, they've got this hypothetical AI agent called Corey. So imagine a student. We'll call him, uh, Alex. Alex starts missing deadlines. Isn't as active online. Corey notices that. Corey also sees Alex missed a financial aid deadline. Uh, puts two and two together. Flags the advisor that maybe Alex is having, you know, financial or personal issues. Then, Corey proactively recommends resources. That's just, uh, Not possible with, like, a simple chatbot.

Jill:

Yeah, that's a huge shift. And it seems like personalized student support is, uh, it's a major theme running through all these materials.

Jack:

Definitely. We're seeing AI used for 247 chatbot support, creating those customized learning plans, even mapping out entire degree roadmaps. It can keep students on track, help them get early intervention if they're struggling. It can even connect them with mental health and career resources.

Jill:

And this isn't just theory, right? There's a case study from Georgia State University. They used AI to fight summer melt, you know, when students get accepted but don't actually enroll. Their AI system flagged at risk students and then, you know, reached out personally. And they saw a pretty big jump in enrollment.

Jack:

And there's even hard data backing up the impact of AI on, like, student success. A Nectar study found that students who use AI course assistance actually saw their GPAs go up. So the results are there.

Jill:

Wow. Okay. So we're seeing AI for personalized support, for improving academic outcomes, but I feel like it goes even deeper than that, right? Like, this data can help institutions make better decisions overall.

Jack:

Exactly. Think about it. Now, schools can analyze massive amounts of data to predict enrollment numbers more accurately. That's huge for resource allocation and admission strategies.

Jill:

I can see that being super valuable, but does it go beyond just admissions?

Jack:

Oh, absolutely. Imagine being able to actually see how effective your academic programs are and pinpoint areas for improvement. Institutions can use AI to ensure their courses align with, like, student needs and what the job market demands. They can even compare themselves to other schools and see what's working best.

Jill:

It's almost like AI is giving schools, uh, a crystal ball to predict the future and make smarter choices, you know, across the board.

Jack:

Yeah, in a way it is, and that leads us right into the marketing side of things, you know. How are schools using these tools to reach students in this new world? That's where it gets really interesting.

Jill:

Yeah, let's get into that. So the Seminar Marketing Guide talks about how institutions really need to step up their game. Students in 2025, they expect personalized experiences, right? And AI is how you deliver that. It's all about using data to get the right message to the right student at the right time.

Jack:

Exactly. It's not about those generic messages anymore. It's about creating a truly personalized experience for every single potential student.

Jill:

And it's not just about blasting out emails, is it? I'm seeing a lot about AI powered search engines like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. What does that mean for students? Uh, you know, education marketing.

Jack:

Well, it's a whole new ballgame for sure. Students are using those AI tools more and more to find information. The AGM guide stresses that, uh, institutions need to optimize their content for those platforms. So focus on high quality question based content that gives clear, concise answers. Also be mindful of voice search, using natural language that reflects how people actually talk, you know.

Jill:

Makes sense. If students are asking these AI tools questions, schools need to make sure their content is clear and concise. you know, the top answer. But what about social media? It seems like that's still a big deal, especially for those younger generations.

Jack:

Oh, absolutely. Platforms like TikTok are still incredibly influential. AI can help institutions refine their targeting and create content that, you know, really resonates with those younger audiences.

Jill:

Okay, this is getting pretty high tech. But before we go any further, I have a question. With all this AI and automation, is there a risk of losing that, uh, human touch in education?

Jack:

That's a really important question. Yeah. And it's something we'll definitely dig into in the next part of our deep dive.

Jill:

Welcome back to our deep dive, you know, into AI and education marketing. We're just discussing how institutions are adopting these really powerful AI tools. It's a pretty impressive. It

Jack:

is. It is. But, uh, I think it's easy to get kind of caught up in all the tech, you

Jill:

know,

Jack:

the bells and whistles. We got to remember that education is really about people, right? Absolutely. So let's shift gears and talk about the students themselves. Like. What are the big factors influencing their choices in this new AI driven world?

Jill:

Well, that's where EAB's research comes in, and it's got some, uh, really interesting findings. Okay. I'm

Jack:

listening.

Jill:

You might think that with all this tech, you know, things like affordability wouldn't be such a big deal anymore, but that's not what they found. Affordability is still a major concern for students, especially, uh, those from certain demographics. We're talking Pell Grant recipients, first generation students, part time learners. Cost is often the deciding factor, you know, and whether they can pursue higher ed at all. Yeah, that makes sense. Education is a big investment, even with all the advances in technology. For a lot of students, it comes down to, can I afford this?

Jack:

Exactly. But here's where it gets even more interesting. EAB also found that campus and environmental factors play a surprisingly big role in students choices.

Jill:

Oh, interesting. So we're not just talking about like nice dorms or a pretty campus.

Jack:

Right. They're looking at things like how many student organizations are there, what's the local weather like, even the political climate. And, um, population growth in the surrounding area.

Jill:

Wow, that's fascinating. I wouldn't have guessed those things would be so influential.

Jack:

It seems that today's students are looking beyond just, you know, academics. They're thinking about the whole experience, the social and cultural environment, you know.

Jill:

It's almost like they're making a lifestyle choice, not just an educational one.

Jack:

Exactly. They're looking for a place where they can, um, really thrive, academically and personally. So institutions need to think about their appeal more broadly, showcase their academic strengths for sure, but also, you know, the vibrancy of campus life, the opportunities for personal growth, even how attractive the surrounding community is.

Jill:

It's about painting that full picture, right? Showing students this is a place where they can belong, build a future.

Jack:

Exactly. So we've got affordability, campus life, But we can't forget about, uh, the changing landscape of education itself. The Higher Education Marketing Institute pointed out a couple of trends that are worth, you know, digging into. The first is the rise of micro credentials.

Jill:

Ah, yes. Micro credentials, those, uh, bite sized alternatives to traditional degrees. It seems like they're getting more and more popular. What's the deal with those?

Jack:

Well, micro credentials are those shorter, more focused credentials. They show specific skills or knowledge. They're often online, and you can finish them much faster than a traditional degree.

Jill:

So it's like getting a certification in a specific area instead of, you know, committing to a four year degree program.

Jack:

Right. And this is becoming really appealing to a lot of students, especially those who are looking to, you know, get a job quickly, or maybe they want to upskill in a specific area, but they don't have the time or the money for a full degree.

Jill:

It's like the fast track to career advancement

Jack:

in a way. Yeah, but it's important to mention there's this whole debate going on about the value of micro credentials versus traditional degrees. Some people argue that micro credentials are better aligned with. Like today's workforce needs. Others say that traditional degrees still carry more weight.

Jill:

I'm sure that debate is going to continue But it's definitely something to keep an eye on. What was the other emerging trend you mentioned?

Jack:

Oh, right. The Higher Education Marketing Institute also highlighted virtual reality in education. VR, you know.

Jill:

Yeah, VR. It's been around but it seems like we're finally seeing its potential in education, you know, come to life.

Jack:

VR can create these incredibly immersive learning experiences. I imagine like, going on a virtual field trip to, uh, ancient Rome, or exploring the human body from the inside out. The possibilities are pretty amazing.

Jill:

It does sound amazing. I imagine there are some challenges though, right? Like cost, accessibility.

Jack:

For sure. VR tech is still pretty expensive, and not everyone has access to the equipment they need. But as it becomes more affordable and more widespread, we'll probably see more schools using VR in their teaching.

Jill:

Yeah, it's exciting to think about how VR could change learning, make it more engaging, more interactive, and accessible to students all over the world.

Jack:

And this all ties back to the bigger picture. The educational landscape is changing so fast. And institutions are trying to adapt to, you know, meet the needs of these students.

Jill:

We've seen how they're using AI to personalize that support, improve decision making, and create those more targeted marketing campaigns.

Jack:

And we talked about those new learning models like micro credentials and the potential of, um, immersive tech like VR. Yeah. It's a lot.

Jill:

It is. So as we wrap up, what are some key takeaways you're hoping our listeners will, uh, remember from all this?

Jack:

I think the most important thing is AI isn't just some futuristic concept. It's here. It's shaping education right now. And it has the power to make education more accessible, more effective, and more engaging.

Jill:

Welcome back to the Deep Dive. We've covered a lot in our exploration of AI and education marketing in 2025. You know, from those AI agents acting like personal assistants, to the surprising things influencing student choices, it seems like we're on the verge of, like, a huge change in education.

Jack:

It's been, uh, quite a journey digging into all this with you. We've seen how schools are using AI, you know, to personalize learning, make decisions based on data. And reach those potential students more effectively.

Jill:

And we've also talked about the rise of new learning models, those micro credentials, and uh, the potential of immersive technologies like VR. It's uh, it's a lot to process. It is. So as we wrap up our deep dive, what are some of the key takeaways you hope our listeners uh, will walk away with?

Jack:

Well, I'd say the biggest takeaway is that AI isn't just some, you know, futuristic idea. It's real. It's happening now in education. And it really does have the potential to make education more accessible. More effective and more engaging for everyone.

Jill:

That's a powerful thought. But we also have to remember that AI is a tool, right? Right. And like any tool, it can be used for good, or Uh, for not so good. So as we embrace these possibilities of AI, we need to be aware of the potential downsides too.

Jack:

Exactly. We need to be sure AI is used ethically, responsibly, and fairly. That means focusing on transparency, fairness, and making sure humans are still in control. You know, making sure AI is helping people, not replacing them.

Jill:

It's about finding that balance using technology, but keeping that human element that's so important in education. You know, one thing that really stood out to me from the EAB research was that affordability is still a top concern for so many students.

Jack:

Yeah, absolutely. AI can, you know, personalize learning and give more support, but it can't solve the bigger problem of cost. It's going to take, um, system wide solutions, not just technology.

Jill:

So looking ahead to the future of education, it's clear that AI is going to be a bigger and bigger part of it, but we have to remember that technology is only one piece of the puzzle, right?

Jack:

Absolutely. We have to address those issues like affordability, make sure AI is being used ethically and responsibly, and, uh, You know, cultivate that love of lifelong learning. Those are big challenges, but they're also exciting opportunities to create a better or empowering education system for everybody.

Jill:

Well said. This deep dive has given me a lot to think about, and I'm sure our listeners feel the same way. As we wrap up, I want to leave our listeners with one final thought. Okay. We've talked about how AI can tailor education to individual needs, but we can't forget that diversity of thought Being exposed to different perspectives, that's crucial for intellectual growth.

Jack:

That's a good point.

Jill:

As AI personalizes learning, we have to make sure it doesn't create these echo chambers where students only hear things that confirm their existing beliefs,

Jack:

right? That's important.

Jill:

How do we balance personalization with, you know, that need for exploration and exposure to different viewpoints? It's a question we all need to consider as AI becomes more and more a part of education.

Jack:

Definitely. The future of education isn't something that just happens to us, it's something we create together. By having these thoughtful conversations, asking the tough questions, and, uh, being open to new ideas, we can use the power of AI to build a better future for learners everywhere.

Jill:

Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the future of education and for sharing your insights with our listeners.

Jack:

It's been my pleasure. Keep exploring these topics and have those important conversations about the role of AI in shaping the future of learning.

Jill:

This is the Deep Dive, signing off.