At CompleteU, we partner with colleges and universities to turn enrollment challenges into opportunities. From re-engaging stopout students to driving late-stage applications, our personalized outreach delivers measurable results.
Explore how institutions like the University of Minnesota and Roanoke College achieved success with CompleteU.
Institution Overview
The University of Minnesota (UMN) is a five-campus system that launched a system-wide initiative to re-enroll students who had stopped out since Fall 2019.
The Challenge
UMN faced declining enrollment due to shifting demographics, pandemic-related disruptions, and financial concerns. They identified stopout students as a promising population but lacked the capacity to conduct personalized, large-scale outreach.
The CompleteU Solution
UMN partnered with CompleteU to deliver a high-engagement re-enrollment campaign designed to personally connect with stopout students. The initiative featured one-to-one phone outreach by experienced specialists and communication strategies tailored to the unique needs of each campus. Students received personalized referrals to help them take next steps, such as re-enrolling, applying for financial aid, or meeting with academic advisors. To better understand student barriers and motivations, 694 stopouts were surveyed. Over the course of the campaign, 14,378 phone calls and 15,458 emails were sent.
The Results
Over the course of four consecutive terms (Fall 2023 through Spring 2025), 155 students re-enrolled. The campaign generated a 13X return on investment based on tuition revenue from just one term—with even greater long-term value if students continue their studies. In addition to enrollment gains, the college gathered actionable data to enhance institutional support systems and inform future student success strategies.
Why It Worked
Personalized phone calls significantly increased student engagement, creating meaningful connections that encouraged students to take action. Referrals ensured smooth handoffs to key campus contacts, making it easier for students to navigate next steps. In addition, surveys offered valuable insights into the barriers students faced, helping the institution strengthen its future retention efforts.
Institution Overview
Roanoke College is a private liberal arts institution seeking to increase late-stage applications during the Spring 2025 enrollment cycle.
The Challenge
Roanoke wanted to boost application volume in a short timeframe (Feb. 10–26, 2025). Many prospective students had stalled in the process or weren’t actively considering applying.
The CompleteU Solution
CompleteU launched a 16-day phone campaign focused on live contact, follow-up emails, and personalized support. The outreach emphasized urgency, addressed student questions, and made the application process easier to navigate.
The Results
As of March 18, 2025, the campaign generated 55 total applications. Nearly half of those—44%—were submitted within just three days of the final outreach, and 10 students applied the same day they were called. Notably, several students who initially declined to apply later changed their minds after receiving multiple personalized touches.
Why It Worked
The phone outreach campaign created a sense of urgency and helped build trust with prospective students, while follow-up messages kept the school top-of-mind throughout the decision-making process. This personalized approach proved effective even for students who were initially hesitant, leading to successful re-engagement and increased application activity.