We believe that enrollment management is not simply an operational task—it’s a strategic imperative. The sustainability of every independent school hinges on its ability to maintain financial equilibrium, where revenues consistently meet or exceed expenses. Given that tuition revenue derived from enrollment is the lifeblood of most schools’ operating budgets, the ability to manage enrollment with precision and foresight is essential. That’s why enrollment management must be embedded into the strategic DNA of a school—not just the concern of one office, but the responsibility of every institutional leader.

Independent schools today face intensifying challenges: shifting demographics, rising affordability concerns, and evolving expectations from families. These dynamics demand a sophisticated understanding of how each function within a school—academics, advancement, marketing, student life—intersects with enrollment. School leaders must be fluent not only in the mission of the institution but also in the data that informs decision-making across these domains. From retention trends to financial aid modeling, from market positioning to communications strategy, the work of enrollment management is interconnected, analytical, and deeply mission-aligned.

Carney, Sandoe & Associates partners with schools to strengthen this critical function through our Admissions & Enrollment Management Practice. Our approach is both comprehensive and customized, helping schools assess their enrollment ecosystem, identify areas of opportunity, and build a clear action plan. Through this process, we equip Heads, administrators, and Admission teams with tools to foster community-wide understanding and participation in enrollment success—linking research, admissions strategy, financial aid, retention, and marketing into a cohesive, forward-looking roadmap. At Carney, Sandoe & Associates, we are proud to support schools in embracing enrollment management not as a challenge, but as a strategic opportunity to ensure mission sustainability and institutional vitality.

Contact Our Admission & Enrollment Management Practice Leader

Bill Leahy

Practice Leader, Admissions & Enrollment Practice; Consultant

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