Introduction
Did you know that according to recent studies by TrustRadius, schools, and universities that have adopted modern student enrollment management systems have experienced a 62% increase in student applications and a 20% reduction in processing time?
Student enrollment management system is integral to both K-12 and higher learning. They help educational institutions manage student data, enroll learners in relevant courses, and reduce the workload for educators and other faculty members.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 student enrollment management systems leading the charge in 2024. Whether you're looking to reduce administrative burden, improve the student and staff experience, or simply keep up with the latest in educational technology, we've got you covered.
But first, let's check out what exactly a student enrollment management system is.
What is a Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS)?
A student enrollment management system is a tool that schools use to manage the enrollment process. This includes handling applications, tracking student information, and communicating with applicants. It streamlines the entire process, making it easier for both students and staff.
A student enrollment management system typically includes an admission management system to manage applications. It helps schools sort and review applications quickly. Many systems also offer a chatbot for education, which answers common questions from applicants. This saves time for the admissions team.
Admissions and Student Enrollment management system software also provides marketing tools designed specifically for schools to attract and communicate with prospective students, mirroring the capabilities of CRM software.
By integrating various enrollment-related processes into a single platform, A Student Enrollment management system helps reduce administrative burden, improve the student experience, and ensure a smooth transition from applicant to enrolled student.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Enrollment management system
Choosing the perfect student enrollment management system that aligns with your existing system and future goals is very important. So before looking at the Top 10 student enrollment management system, let us first look at some important factors for consideration:
School/College Size and Needs
The size of your school or college matters. Larger institutions may require more robust systems with advanced features and scalability to handle high volumes of applications, while smaller schools might benefit from simpler, more cost-effective solutions.
Consider your institution's unique requirements, such as the number of students, types of programs offered, and specific enrollment workflows, to find if you need a Student Enrollment management system that handles a high volume of applications. Or do you need something basic?
Budget
Budget is an obvious factor. Prices vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the system. Think about the cost-effectiveness of the solution, ensuring it provides the necessary functionalities without exceeding your budget. Look for systems that offer flexible pricing plans, including one-time fees, subscription models, or tiered pricing.
Additionally, consider any hidden costs, such as setup fees, training, or ongoing maintenance. Decide how much you can spend and find a system that fits within your budget without compromising on essential features.
Check out the return on investment before finalizing on your choice of Student Enrollment management system.
Integration with Other Systems
Your student enrollment management system should work well with your existing systems. This includes your school's database, email system, Student Information Systems (SIS), Learning Management Systems (LMS), financial aid platforms and any other tools you use.
Good integration means smoother operations and less manual work. Make sure the system you choose can easily connect with other tools.
Choosing a Student Enrollment management system compatible with your underlying infrastructure will make your workflow easier.
Customer Support
When issues arise, you need quick and helpful responses. Look for a Student Enrollment management system that offers reliable customer support. Check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you choose a system with excellent support. Consider the availability of support channels, such as phone, email, live chat, and online resources, to ensure applicants have access to help whenever they need it.
Suggested Reading: Top 10 hacks to fully automate your customer support
Top 10 Student Enrollment Management System in 2024
Now let us explore the best student Enrollment management system in 2024 in detail, looking at its features, pros, cons and pricing structure.
1.BotPenguin
BotPenguin is a no-code chatbot for education that helps schools and colleges automate various tasks. This chatbot technology supports multiple platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and websites. With BotPenguin, institutions can handle FAQs, admission forms, fee payments, and more without needing coding skills.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that BotPenguin can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Admission Management System: Automates FAQs, form submissions, and document requirements.
- Multiple Platform Support: Works on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and websites.
- Analytics: Provides insights into student interactions and queries.
- Integration with ChatGPT: Provides personalized responses.
- Custom Data Training: Easily train the chatbot on custom data for personalized responses.
- Native Integrations: Over 60+ integrations for CRM, scheduling, and more.
- Live Chat Feature: Includes native live chat for real-time support.
Pricing Details
BotPenguin offers various pricing plans:
- Baby Plan: Free forever for up to 100 conversations
- Little Plan: $14/month for up to 3,000 conversations
- King Plan: $53/month for up to 12,000 conversations
- Emperor Plan: Customized plan as per need
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having BotPenguin as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- No coding needed: Easy for anyone to use.
- Affordable pricing: Plans start at just $5 per month.
- Wide range of integrations: Works with over 60 tools.
- Supports multiple platforms: Use WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, and more.
- Offers live chat and voice support: Engage customers in real-time and through voice.
- Customizable templates: Quick and easy setup.
- User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive design.
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having BotPenguin as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- The free plan has limited messages: Only up to 2000 messages.
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans: Some functionalities are reserved for premium plans.
Rating
4.5/5 (from G2 user reviews)
For a demo, check out this WhatsApp chat flow that how the BotPenguin chatbot helps in school
To learn more about BotPenguin’s unique features and detailed pricing structure, please visit BotPenguin
2. Ellucian Banner
Ellucian Banner focuses more on higher education than K-12 learning. It’s a powerful Student Enrollment management system software suite that offers extensive tools for simplifying administration. These include student information management, financial aid, and enrolment features alongside LMS functionality like course creation, online assessments and learning analytics. The platform is also highly customisable, allowing educators to create branded multimedia courses.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that Ellucian Banner can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Financial aid management
- Enrolment and registration features
- Course creation and management
- Online and multimedia content and assessments
- Mobile app support
- Multimedia content delivery
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having Ellucian Banner as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Better suited to higher education institutions than many other options on this list
- Extensive reporting and analytics options
- Allows for customisation and branding
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having Ellucian Banner as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Not suited to K-12 learning environments
- Degraded performance with large datasets
- Can be difficult to navigate without significant training
Pricing
Ellucian doesn’t offer pricing directly on their website, but you can schedule a live demo of their student enrollment management system
Rating
3.5/5 (average rating from Gartner Peer Insights, Capterra)
To learn more about them, please visit click here
3. Blackbaud Student Enrollment Management
Blackbaud Enrollment Management System makes it possible to have a connected admissions process. Its admissions portal includes tools for fast and easy applications. As well, it allows interested students to track the status of their applications. On the same page, they can make enrollment decisions once they have been accepted to the program or school.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that BlackBaud can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Student information system (SIS) features
- Has an admissions portal that saves time
- Application tracking for prospective students
- Enrollment milestones that keep applicants engaged
- Time-saving scheduling tools for admission officers for tours, interviews, and assessments
- Offers personalized admissions experience with notifications and emails
- Mobile forms for accessible applications
- Self-scheduling of visits and interviews by applicants
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having BlackBaud as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Extensive platform accommodating various educational needs
- Offers higher education and employee training solutions
- User-friendly interface for administrators, students and parents
- Extensive fundraising and finance features
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having BlackBaud as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Few options for advanced reporting
- Setup requires training and can be complex and time-consuming
- Limited offline capabilities
Pricing
Blackbaud doesn’t make pricing information available on their website, but you can request a demo from them.
Rating
4.1/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
To learn more about them, please visit https://www.blackbaud.com/
4. SchoolAdmin (Now part of FINALSITE)
SchoolAdmin is an admissions and student enrollment management system software that is designed to help educational institutions to thrive. It is a strategic system that integrates admissions, enrollment, and billing tools in one platform. With this, private K-12 schools can attract the right families.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that SchoolAdmin can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Increases conversion with dynamic and responsive forms
- Improves user experience with forms that can be embedded in the school website
- Eases the admissions process by enabling administrators to score and review applications right on the platform
- Painless enrollment by personalized and automated admissions
- Adaptable solution with mobile-friendly enrollment applications
- Quicker payments with reminders and fee schedules
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having SchoolAdmin as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Offers paperless admissions.
- The software has dynamic and responsive forms that can help increase conversion.
- Painless, personalized and automated enrollments
- Schools can get paid rather quickly as well, because of automated reminders and custom fee schedules.
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having SchoolAdmin as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- No Mobile app
- Not as flexible as we sometimes need the features to be.
- Development of new features seems to take a long time
The above data has been gathered from user reviews on TrustRadius.com
Pricing
Interested schools can request a quote.
To learn more about them, please click here
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra)
5. FACTS
FACTS is another well-rounded student enrollment management system platform that aims to enhance learner experiences while simplifying admin for educators and support teams. It offers tools for tuition management alongside effective communication features, allowing better alignment between students, teachers, and parents. The platform also supports blended learning, offering options for virtual learning environments and hybrid courses alongside instructor-led lessons.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that FACTS can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Attendance and behavior tracking
- Tuition management
- Course content delivery
- Assignment and test submissions
- Student progress tracking
- Advanced communication features
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having FACTS as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Strong focus on simplifying administrative tasks
- Comprehensive communication tools
- Good customer support
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having FACTS as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Few options for learning beyond K-12 education
- Occasional sync issues
- Reports of performance lagging with high-volume usage
Pricing
FACTS doesn’t offer pricing information on its website, but they do run regular product demos and webinars for those interested in learning more about the school management system.
Rating
4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
To learn more about them, please click here
6. Slate by Technolutions
Slate is a system that is purpose-built for higher education institutions. It provides tertiary education organizations with the tools they need for modern admissions and Student Enrollment management system. To that end, it has communications, applications, data management, and automation modules.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that Slate can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Integrated communication channels to attract more applicants and re-enrollments
- Automated marketing communications to target specific prospects or groups
- Multiple application frameworks for each unique group and purpose
- Application integration with third-party site or platform
- Custom application portal for students to check application status
- Project and task management automation
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having Slate as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- custom applicant status portal
- higher education scheduling software for admins
- Drip marketing.
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having Slate as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Unattractive admin interface
- No Free Version
- Limited integrations with other platforms
The above data has been gathered from user reviews on TrustRadius.com
Pricing
Institutions can talk with the vendor for custom pricing
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra)
To learn more about them, please click here
7. Infinite Campus
Infinite Campus is a versatile student enrollment management system designed for K-12 schools. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage student data, streamline administrative tasks, and improve communication with families. Alongside tools for attendance management and grade book submissions, Infinite Campus’s LMS functionality includes online course management and delivery, assessment tools and advanced reporting.
Key Features and Benefits
Let us look at some of the main features and benefits that Infinite Campus can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Online Registration: Simplifies the registration process for families and school staff.
- Attendance Tracking: Provides accurate attendance records and reporting.
- Parent Portals: Gives parents easy access to student information and school communications.
- Grade books and transcript management: Generates comprehensive reports to track student progress and admissions trends.
- Integration with Other Tools: Works seamlessly with other educational tools.
- Admission Management System: Streamlines the application process, making it more efficient.
- Course management
- Online course delivery
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having Infinite Campus as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Long-standing solution
- Strong analytics and reporting capabilities
- Various assessment and assignment options
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having Infinite Campus as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- K-12 focused without options for higher education or corporate training
- Few customization features
- Occasional technical issues
Pricing
Infinite Campus doesn’t provide pricing on its website. However, they do run regular online demos where you can preview their solutions.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
To learn more about them, please click here
8. PowerSchool
PowerSchool Enrollment is a robust student enrollment management system that caters to both K-12 and higher education institutions. It focuses on simplifying the enrollment process and improving data management.
On top of popular features of student management systems like a student information system, grade book management and behavior tracking, PowerSchool also incorporates tools for learning management. You can easily create and manage courses with multimedia elements and develop online assessments.
Key Features and Benefits
Let us look at some of the main features and benefits that PowerSchool can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Online Applications: Simplifies the application process for students and staff.
- Automated Workflows: Streamlines administrative tasks and reduces errors.
- Detailed Reporting: Provides insights into enrollment trends and performance.
- Integration with PowerSchool Products: Works seamlessly with other PowerSchool tools, such as student information systems and learning management systems.
- Chatbot for Education: Assists with common questions, improving the applicant experience.
- Attendance and behavior tracking
- Course creation and management
- Online assessments and quizzes
- Assignment submissions
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having PowerSchool as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Meets various needs of educational institutions across PowerSchool solutions
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Extensive integration capabilities
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having PowerSchool as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Requires significant training to take full advantage of features
- Reviews suggest occasional performance issues
- Offers limited offline capabilities
Pricing
PowerSchool doesn’t offer pricing on their website directly. However, they do offer a free demo of their Student Enrollment management system
Pricing and Target Audience
PowerSchool Enrollment's pricing is customized based on the specific needs of the institution.
Rating
4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
To learn more about them, please click here
9. Edusys Online Admission
EduSys School ERP is a school management software exclusive to schools in the United States. It enables the fast-tracking of student registration as the enrollment process is easy. EduSys School ERP also features a document management solution. With this, administrators can store documents provided by parents and students to ensure that everyone is always on the same page.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that Edusys can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Assignment Management
- Student Information System: Manage student data, profiles, contacts, and documents and track the complete lifecycle.
- Payroll - Salary and reimbursement processing, taxation and statutory compliance
- Admissions - Automate inquiry, registration, application review and admissions process
- Academics - Build curriculum and course catalog, assign classes, manage examinations and evaluations
- Attendance - Record and monitor student and staff attendance through multiple methods
- Communication Efficiency
- Ease of Use
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having Edusys as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Fast-track student registration
- Comprehensive features - All-in-one solution for key school management needs like admissions, fees, payroll, exams, transportation, hostel management and more
- Efficient document management solution
- Supports local language and customizable
- Scalability - System scales to support schools of all sizes from a few hundred to thousands of students.
- Cloud-based - Software-as-a-service model with high availability. No need for in-house servers or IT infrastructure
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having Edusys as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Steep learning curve - The extensive feature set can overwhelm new users. This may require investing in more training.
- Occasional bugs - Some users have reported minor software bugs, though these seem to be addressed promptly.
- Basic reporting - Out-of-the-box reports meet most needs, but advanced users may require custom reporting services.
- Third-party add-ons - Integrating with other ed-tech systems may require paid customizations and add-ons.
- Upfront setup time - Getting started with the system and migrating data can involve considerable time and effort.
Pricing
Edusys Online Admission offers flexible pricing based on the size and specific needs of the institution.
Rating
4.4/5 (average rating from tech jockey)
To learn more about them, please click here
10. Gradelink
Gradelink is praised for its user-friendly interface and good customer support. It provides essential student management features like tracking grades and attendance, and parent-teacher communication tools. Alongside these are LMS features like course management, assignment tools, and integration with Google Classroom. Its comprehensive reporting tools also make it an attractive option for various institutions.
Key Features
Let us look at some of the main features that GradeLink can offer as a Student Enrollment Management System:
- Advanced scheduling options
- Educator training features
- Parent-teacher communication tools
- Course creation and management
- Assignment and quiz features
- Customisable reporting
Pros
Let's look at the pros of having Gradelink as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Advanced reporting and scheduling features
- Resources for staff development
- Extensive support materials
Cons
Let's look at some possible cons of having Gradelink as your Student Enrollment Management System :
- Limited integrations beyond Google Classroom
- Reviews suggest occasional performance issues
- Basic customisation options compared to other platforms
Pricing
Gradelink doesn’t offer pricing on their website directly, but you can sign up for a free demo account or get a quote from them.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice)
To learn more about them, please click here
Conclusion
No matter how great the legacy of your institution is, losing prospective students just because of an inefficient enrollment process is just not done. Long queues will be a thing of the past. Troublesome cash or check payments at school counters no longer have to be the only option.
An efficient student enrollment management system can take care of it all with superb ease. The best Student Enrollment management system will not only ease the administrative burden but it will also make the transition of an applicant to an enrolled student much easier.
Compare the different student enrollment management systems available and choose the one that aligns perfectly with your needs.
If you still have some reservations on which Student Enrollment system to pick, just try BotPenguin's free plan for trial. It's simple no-code interface and rich features will help you further make up your mind
By investing in the right system, you'll not only save time and resources but also provide a better experience for students and staff alike. Explore these options to find the best fit for your school or college, and transform your enrollment process in 2024 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a student enrollment management system?
A student enrollment management system is a software solution that helps schools and colleges manage the entire enrollment process, from applications to admissions, streamlining administrative tasks and improving communication with students and parents.
How do student enrollment systems benefit educational institutions?
These systems save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency by automating tasks, managing student data, and facilitating communication. They help schools handle admissions smoothly, making the process easier for both staff and applicants.
What features should I look for in a student enrollment management system?
Key features include automated workflows, online applications, data analytics, reporting tools, integration capabilities, and communication tools. These features ensure a seamless and efficient enrollment process.
How much do student enrollment management systems typically cost?
Costs vary widely based on the institution's size and specific needs. Some systems offer basic plans for small schools, while others provide custom pricing for larger institutions with more complex requirements.
Can these systems integrate with existing school management software?
Yes, most student enrollment management systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with other school management software, such as student information systems and learning management systems, ensuring a cohesive and efficient workflow.
How can chatbots enhance student enrollment management systems?
Chatbots, like those offered by BotPenguin, automate responses to common inquiries, handle FAQs, streamline admissions processes, send reminders, and provide real-time support, greatly enhancing the efficiency and user experience of enrollment systems.
Can this software help with marketing and recruitment?
Yes, many admissions and enrollment management systems include CRM and marketing tools that help institutions attract and engage prospective students. These features enable targeted outreach, personalized communication, and efficient follow-up with leads.
How does admissions and enrollment management software improve efficiency?
By automating repetitive tasks, reducing manual data entry, and providing real-time updates and notifications, this software significantly reduces administrative workload. It also ensures accuracy in data handling and speeds up the entire enrollment process.
