The EduData Podcast

In the complex world of higher education, data is your most valuable asset. But how do you connect the dots between your CRM, admissions software, marketing platforms, and more? This interactive webinar will demystify the software you use every day by showing you how it's designed. Discover how your data works together and unlock powerful insights for data-driven decisions.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/

About The Enrollify...

Every email, text message, and outreach effort plays a role in shaping a prospective student’s journey — but how can colleges truly measure which actions make the biggest impact?

In this episode, Jamie and Tim walk through how machine learning can be applied to analyze the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, helping institutions understand which strategies drive completed applications and boost enrollment.We’ll take a hands-on look at the analytical process, from collecting  data to building models that measure the true influence of different touchpoints.

Whether your team is just starting to explore data-driven decision-making or look...

Parents are more involved than ever. Keeping them engaged can make or break your class. Dave Becker, CEO and co-founder of Campus ESP, joins the podcast to explore his takeaways from last year and share best practices for 2025. The importance of communication with parents, the impact of COVID-19 on expectations, and how data can inform strategies for better engagement. The conversation also explores the role of AI in personalizing communication and the significance of financial transparency in the decision-making process for families. 

Read Dave’s Insights: https://www.campusesp.com/blog/top-trends-2025

Guest Name: Dave Bec...

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss the significance of the International House at UC Berkeley with its Executive Director, Shaun Carver. The conversation explores the history and mission of the International House, the current state of international students in the U.S., the value of diversity in education, and the economic impact of international students. Shaun shares insights on why international students choose U.S. institutions, the contrasting perceptions of American education domestically and internationally, and the importance of creating inclusive environments for all students. The episode concludes with a look at future trends for international students and...

Welcome to 2025! In this first recorded episode of the new year, Timothy and Jamie dive into higher education's unexpected comeback. They discuss the corrected National Student Clearinghouse report revealing undergrad enrollment is up and costs are down. From dual enrollment misclassifications to the importance of transparency in data reporting, they explore lessons for data professionals. Plus, hear their take on the optimism buzzing in higher ed and what it means for the industry moving forward. Don't miss this insightful start to the new year!

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In this episode of The Edu Data Podcast, Timothy and Jamie dive deep into the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's (WICHE) latest report, Knocking at the College Door. They explore key findings on the projected decline of high school graduates across the U.S. from 2023 to 2041, take a closer look at the meticulous methodology behind WICHE's projections, and discuss implications of those projections.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/<...

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form, and let's chat!

95.9% of website home pages have accessibility failures. That’s because accessibility isn’t part of the design process.

In this episode of the Edgy Data Podcast, Timothy Davis speaks with Eugene Woo, CEO of Vengage, about the importance of accessibility in website and document design, and how higher ed pros can ensure their content can be consumed by everyone.

WHO disabilities report: https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/sensory-functions-disability-and-rehabilitation/world-report-on-disability

CDC disabilities repo...

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, Jamie and Timothy dive into the latest Carnegie report on 2024 Higher Ed SEO benchmarks. From understanding click-through rates and ranking positions to dissecting branded vs. non-branded search traffic, we break down the key metrics and what they mean for your institution’s online visibility. Tune in to learn how to use benchmarking effectively, leverage Google Search Console, and navigate the evolving landscape of search optimization, including new AI-driven search features. Whether you're an SEO pro or new to the game, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help boost your website’s pe...

Jamie and Timothy are joined by Katie Tomlinson, Senior Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence for Education Dynamics. They discuss the importance of data management in higher education, covering best practices for data selection, collection methods, roles in data management, and the impact of AI on analytics. Katie emphasizes the need for accurate data, effective documentation, and the integration of AI tools to enhance decision-making processes within institutions.

Guest Name: Katie Tomlinson, Senior Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence for Education Dynamics

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katietomlinson

Guest Bio: Katie...

In this episode of The EduData Podcast, Jamie and Timothy dive into fresh data from the National Clearinghouse Research Center and the National College Attainment Network, analyzing the drop in college enrollment for Fall 2024. They explore how recent changes in FAFSA processes have impacted financial aid applications and discuss the alarming enrollment trends across different demographics. The hosts also examine how these trends might intersect with broader issues like the enrollment cliff and the Supreme Court's decision on race-conscious admissions.

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/preston-cooper-479331a4_the-number-of-first-year-students-on-americas-activity-7255193799096725505-7c4U/?utm_source=share&utm...

In this episode of The EduData Podcast, Timothy Davis and Jamie Boggs take a closer look at recent data from the College Board’s "Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid" report. Is the cost of higher education really as overwhelming as we've been led to believe, or has inflation adjusted tuition actually declined over the years? They discuss the surprising insights about net tuition trends, rising non-tuition expenses, and how this shift could change the way students, parents, and institutions think about college affordability. 

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/robertwmcguire_trends-in-college-pricing-activity-7255206274143772672-heg5/?utm_source=sha...

In this episode of the EduData podcast, hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the latest dual enrollment data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), with insights from John Fink’s blog and LinkedIn post. They explore key trends, including the 2.5 million high school students participating in dual enrollment, the leading states and colleges, and disparities in representation among Black and Hispanic/Latino students. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the state of dual enrollment and its growing impact on education!

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-fink-b2352492_last-week-ipeds-released-for-the-first-time-activity-7234542850900639745-Ztaq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=me...

Join in as hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the evolving role of AI in education, specifically exploring how large language models like ChatGPT are shaping learning environments. The episode centers on two fascinating but conflicting studies—one from Harvard and another from the University of Pennsylvania—about the impact of AI tutors on student performance.

Links to articles:

Harvard - https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/09/professor-tailored-ai-tutor-to-physics-course-engagement-doubled/

Pennsylvania - https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/64575/kids-who-use-chatgpt-as-a-study-assistant-do-worse-on-tests

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
h...

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie are joined by Erin Ward, Head of Digital Sales & Client Experience for NextGrad. Erin discusses the evolving landscape of higher education marketing, emphasizing the challenges of reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha students in a world shaped by data privacy regulations and personalization demands. She shares insights into how NextGrad leverages digital billboards in high schools to engage students while adhering to privacy laws, as well as the growing importance of using personalized, targeted content to cut through the noise. The conversation touches on the need for deeper collaboration between marketing and admissions...

Join Timothy and Jamie as they dive into the latest trends from the Common App's 2024 End-of-Season Report. From the rise in public school applications to the growing influence of SEO in higher ed marketing, we explore how institutions can optimize their presence on the platform and attract more students. Discover why more students are applying to test-optional schools, how search filters impact selectivity, and the importance of tailoring your institution’s profile. Whether you're a higher ed marketer or admissions professional, this episode offers valuable insights to stay competitive in today’s application landscape.

LindedIn Post: https://www...

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie dive into the complex issue of financial and administrative holds in higher education. Sparked by a LinkedIn poll, they explore whether holds are a necessary tool for protecting institutions or a hindrance to student progress, especially for students from underrepresented groups. With research from Inside Higher Ed and insights from survey data, they discuss the disproportionate impact of holds on students of color, first-generation students, and those with learning disabilities. They also examine evolving policies and strategies that institutions are adopting to mitigate the negative effects of holds.

Related Links

Join Jamie and Timothy as they dive deeper into a recent study from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, focusing on Generation Z's perceptions of their future. They explore key insights from the raw data, including the relationship between income perception, parental education, and student optimism. Join the hosts as they discuss the impact of subjective vs. objective income measures and the surprising optimism among low-income students. This episode offers valuable takeaways for educators, admissions counselors, and anyone interested in the intersection of data and education.

Article Link: https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/about-us/newsroom/gen-zers-envision-a-bright-future-ahead-but-feel-ill-prepared-for-it-new-gallup-survey-finds

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In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the 2024 Voice of Gen Z Annual Survey, conducted by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. The survey, which gathered insights from 4,000 Gen Z individuals aged 12-27, offers a deep look into the attitudes, aspirations, and challenges faced by this generation. Timothy and Jamie discuss the subjective nature of generational divides, the shifting priorities of Gen Z towards personal well-being over material success, and the critical role of school engagement in preparing youth for their futures. Whether you're an educator, marketer, or simply curious about the next...

Jamie and Timothy continue their discussion on the value of a college education. They analyze a recent study by the Chronicle of Higher Education, which surveyed over 1,000 adults across the United States on the importance of various college functions. This episode dives into how the public perceives the effectiveness of higher education in areas such as workforce development, medical research, and civic engagement. Jamie and Timothy also explore the public's view on the alternatives to a college education, such as trade schools and military service. Timothy and Jamie wrap up by processing how admissions and marketing professionals can use...

Jamie and Timothy dig through the 2024 Trends in Higher Education report from Hanover Research to discover how employers feel about higher ed. From one study cited, 45% of employers plan to cut bachelors degree requirements for some of their positions. Another study cited shows that 8 of 10 employers think higher education prepares students for the workforce. What gives?

Study link: https://www.hanoverresearch.com/reports-and-briefs/higher-education/2024-trends-in-higher-education/

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin...

EduData goes international! Today, Timothy and Jamie dive into the intricacies of the UK university admissions process, with a focus on the latest findings from the National Clearing Survey by NetNatives. As they unpack the UK’s unique Clearing system, Timothy and Jamie break down the findings concerning education trends and discuss the varying sources of information students rely on, from traditional Google searches to emerging social media platforms like TikTok and BeReal, and how these channels shape decision-making. Whether you’re an international listener or a higher education professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of u...

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie Boggs and Timothy Davis dive into new proposed regulations from the Department of Education regarding online education. They examine an Inside Higher Ed article detailing how the Department aims to track online course attendance and enrollment data.

Jamie and Timothy discuss the benefits and challenges of these regulations, considering perspectives from industry leaders. They explore the implications for institutions, students, and the future of online education.

Article Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/2024/07/30/education-department-wants-more-data-about-distance-ed

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Connect...

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy dive head-first into the critical distinction between correlation and causation within higher education research. They revisit last week's discussion on ROI in higher and lower-income serving institutions and expand the conversation to explore how studies often grapple with the challenge of proving cause and effect. Jamie and Timothy offer insightful examples, such as the seemingly bizarre correlations between ice cream sales and shark attacks, to illustrate the complexities and limitations of observational research. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and the cautious interpretation of study results. Tune...

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss a LinkedIn post about college returns on investment (ROI) for low-income and high-income students. The comment section explores the limitations of using salary as a measure of ROI and the importance of considering other factors such as social capital and wealth. They also discuss the implications of this data for higher education policy and decision-making for students. 

Related Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/preston-cooper-479331a4_higher-education-aspires-to-be-the-great-activity-7212088238608392192-O4nP

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.c...

In this episode of the EduData podcast, Jamie welcomes Sarah Russell, Vice President of Marketing at Education Dynamics. With over 15 years of experience, Sarah shares her insights into the evolving landscape of education marketing post-pandemic. They discuss the rise in non-brand keyword searches and the growing demand for specific educational programs and certificates driven by job market changes. Sarah explains the balance between brand marketing and performance marketing, highlighting the importance of building brand trust while driving measurable actions. She also touches on the challenges of engaging prospective students through various channels and the potential of AI to revolutionize...

Jamie and Timothy as they explore the intersection of higher education and data. In this episode, they discuss Jon Boeckenstedt's analysis of the shifts in bachelor's degrees over the past decade, highlighting surprising trends in STEM and liberal arts fields. Discover the factors influencing these changes, from employment data to high school curriculum adjustments. Whether you're an educator, student, or data enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education. 

Link to article: https://www.highereddatastories.com/2024/06/changes-in-bachelors-degrees-2010-to.html

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Timothy and Jamie discuss the data and technology behind predictive analytics at Element451. These predictions help Element451 users make better decisions, and help AI assistants provide enhanced recommendations.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The EduData Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is...

Is “wealth” a better measure of need than family income? A new study finds that assets like savings, property, and investments are a better indicator of a student's ability to cover college costs than income alone. This reinforces the deep and persistent inequalities in wealth by race and ethnicity that we see throughout higher education. The study also suggests actions and resources that higher ed professionals can provide.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.link...

In this episode of the Edu Data Podcast, hosts Timothy and Jamie dive into the latest release from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - the new Digest State Dashboard. They discuss the immense potential this user-friendly tool offers for higher education professionals, including marketers, admissions officers, and data analysts. Timothy and Jamie explore how this dashboard democratizes access to data, making it easier than ever to understand key statistics like enrollment trends, demographic breakdowns, and educational outcomes across states. They also touch on practical applications for market share analysis, competitor benchmarking, and strategic planning in higher education...

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy dive into a recent study by the Art and Science Group that explores why some high school seniors intending to go to college ultimately decide not to. They discuss the survey's fresh findings from February and March, shedding light on key factors that influence these decisions. They also examine the complex relationship between activity data and college decisions, urging educators and policymakers to consider multiple interpretations. Join them for an insightful discussion on the trends and implications of changing college plans.

Link to study

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In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy explore a case study on late student departures at a four-year public university in the Midwest. The study focuses on factors contributing to dropout risk like total tuition, and GPA on student retention, providing insights and recommendations for academic and financial support.

Link to case study: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65aae1ebe8bef219541813db/t/6627e6634d2afe22c2d2eccd/1713890915385/Financial+Factors+Contributing+to+Late+Student+Departures.pdf

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Jamie...

In this Bonus announcement, join Mallory, Chief Strategist of Enrollify, as she introduces the newly relaunched Enrollify.org. This episode highlights the fresh features and content now available on the site, emphasizing Enrollify’s commitment to revolutionizing higher education. Learn about the variety of resources—from podcasts to ourses to webinars—that can help professionals make impactful changes in their careers and institutions.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/

About...

Timothy and Jamie explore key strategies for effective data use in higher education, drawing from the Quality Information Partners' guidelines. They discuss fostering a responsible data-sharing culture, integrating multiple data sources, and creating accessible data tools. This episode is essential for educational data practitioners aiming to enhance their data handling and analysis skills.

Link to QIP:
https://www.qi-partners.com/best-practices-for-using-postsecondary-outcomes-data/?fl_builder&fl_builder_ui

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https...

In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy discuss a recent study on the return on investment from higher education. They explore how different degree programs, from computer science to humanities, impact lifetime earnings relative to their costs. The episode breaks down the methodology and findings of the study, highlights surprising data about the financial outcomes of various fields, and examines assumptions used in the analysis. This conversation sheds light on the financial implications of educational choices in today's economic landscape.

Link to Study: https://freopp.org/does-college-pay-off-a-comprehensive-return-on-investment-analysis-563b9cb6ddc5

Link...

Jamie Boggs and Timothy Davis welcome Steven Fischer from Education Dynamics for a deep dive into the complexities of market research in higher education. Steven shares his expertise on research methodologies that help institutions make informed decisions to better meet student needs. From discussing the importance of sample sizes and survey incentives to exploring the nuances of data collection, this episode takes you behind the scenes of higher ed research. 

Guest Name: Steven Fischer

Guest Social Handles:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-fischer-ct/

Guest Bio: Steven Fischer is responsible for all primary market re...

Timothy and Jamie share their key takeaways from the recent HighEdWeb 2024 Analytics & AI Summit. They break down the significant shift from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, the integration of AI within educational technology, and the challenges of adapting to new privacy regulations. Whether discussing the technical aspects of GA4, exploring AI use cases, or examining data-driven decision-making processes, this episode is packed with essential insights for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of higher education technology. Tune in to stay ahead in the dynamic world of educational analytics and AI applications.

Link to conference: https://events.highedweb.org...

In this episode Jamie and Timothy dive into the fascinating world of decision fatigue and its impact on grading practices in higher education. Drawing from a study conducted at the University of Michigan, which analyzed over 30 million grading records, Jamie and Timothy discuss how individuals with last names lower in alphabetical order tend to receive worse grades due to decision fatigue among graders. They explore various causes of decision fatigue and its effects on grading outcomes, shedding light on biases such as anchoring bias and sequential grading biases. Furthermore, they examine potential solutions to mitigate decision fatigue, including randomization...

In this episode, Jamie and Timothy discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making in higher education. They highlight the need for better data utilization across departments and share insights from surveys and studies on areas requiring improved data usage, such as academic advising and financial operations. Jamie and Timothy emphasize the significance of setting goals, establishing baselines, and implementing ongoing data monitoring. They also advocate for staff training, exploring best practices, and fostering a data-driven culture. Through practical tips, they aim to empower listeners to leverage data effectively for improving operations and achieving institutional goals.

Related Articles: 

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss the significant challenges faced by students and institutions due to delays in the FAFSA portal redesign and aid calculation restructuring. They highlight the National College Attainment Network's dashboard, which visualizes FAFSA completion data, revealing the disproportionate impact on low-income and minority students. The hosts emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing the FAFSA crisis and call on listeners to explore the dashboard for insights and solutions.

Link to FAFSA tracker dashboard: https://www.ncan.org/page/fafsatracker

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The conversation explores the use of student-facing dashboards that provide data on student performance and behavior compared to their peers. The discussion touches on the potential benefits and concerns of this approach, including the impact on academic self-concept and the potential for gamification. The conversation also highlights the broader trend of data products for students and the potential for using data to improve the student experience.

Related Articles:
Scaling Up: Using Student Data to Motivate Academic Achievement - https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/academic-life/2024/03/27/u-michigan-grade-dashboard-promotes-student-learning

Peer effects on academic self-concept: a large randomized...