Join Our Unaccredited University: Here's How To Apply

Recruiting students for an unaccredited university can be challenging due to the negative perceptions and legal restrictions associated with such institutions. In many countries, accreditation is a governmental designation, and degrees from unaccredited universities may not be accepted by employers or other educational institutions. This can create significant barriers to recruitment, as students may be cautious about enrolling in a program that could limit their career prospects and financial aid options. To attract students, unaccredited universities may need to focus on building trust, providing value, and leveraging digital marketing strategies such as video content and alumni testimonials to reach and engage prospective students.

Highlight student and alumni success stories

Alumni success stories are a powerful tool for branding and engagement and should be incorporated into every facet of your school's marketing and communication strategies. Here are some ways to highlight student and alumni success stories:

• Feature Stories Across All Media: Utilize a variety of media platforms such as print, digital, and social media to share student and alumni success stories. This includes brochures, newsletters, annual reports, your school's website, and social media platforms. Tailor the story's format to suit the medium, with shorter versions for social media and more detailed narratives for newsletters or blog posts.
• Incorporate into Advertising: Include alumni success stories in your advertising campaigns, whether online, in print, or on billboards. Highlighting real success stories in advertisements attracts prospective students and families, and reminds current students and alumni of the value your school offers.
• Segmentation and Personalization: Customize your alumni stories to target specific audiences. For example, if your school is known for its arts program, showcase the achievements of alumni who have excelled in the arts to attract prospective students with similar interests. This targeted approach ensures that the stories resonate more deeply with those who have specific aspirations.
• Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your alumni stories in your marketing strategy. Use analytics to evaluate engagement rates, click-through rates, and feedback to refine and improve your approach.
• Newsletters and Social Media: Share regular updates about alumni in newsletters to keep your school community informed and engaged. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to showcase short, impactful alumni stories that highlight diverse achievements across various fields.
• Feature on the School Website: Maintain a dedicated section on your school's website specifically for alumni success stories, making them easily accessible to prospective students and their families.
• Testimonials: Include testimonials from alumni who have benefited from specific programs or opportunities offered by the university. For example, highlighting how a particular scholarship helped them achieve their goals can encourage other students to apply for scholarships.
• Career Prep Programs: Showcase the success stories of students who have participated in career prep programs and how these experiences have helped them discover their passions and achieve their career goals.

Offer mentorship programmes

Mentorship programmes are a proven approach to driving rich learning and career development for both mentees and mentors. They nurture talent, enhance employee satisfaction and bolster overall success. Mentorship programmes can be an invaluable tool for recruiting students to an unaccredited university.

Firstly, it is important to define the purpose of your mentorship programme. What are you offering? What are you trying to accomplish? Who can benefit the most from your programme? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can start working on the structure of the programme.

Next, you need to decide on the type of matching you will offer. Will it be self-matching or admin-matching? Self-matching is administratively light, which can be a huge advantage in larger programmes. However, with admin-matching, programme coordinators can use software tools to enhance the likelihood of successful matches and maximise the impact and effectiveness of the programme. Factors such as communication approach, leadership style, and mentoring philosophy should be considered when matching mentors and mentees to shape the effectiveness and satisfaction of the mentoring experience.

After that, you can start recruiting mentors and mentees. For mentors, consider reaching out to professionals in industries relevant to your students' future careers. Since 2017, Earn to Learn has partnered with companies to ensure students are paired with mentors in fields relevant to their future careers. You can also invite business and community leaders to apply to be mentors independently. For mentees, promote your programme in schools, during morning announcements, lunchtime, recess, or school assemblies. You can also send out flyers to alert parents of your programme and inform them of your referral process.

Finally, don't forget to demonstrate the benefits of your mentorship programme to show that it is worth the time and effort. Educate key leaders and stakeholders on the strategic value of the programme. You can also use one of the participants as a recruiting tool. For example, you can promote the opportunity and encourage nominations of outstanding young participants. These honourees can then speak to a class in a local school about their experience in the programme and why others should join.

Provide financial assistance

Providing financial assistance is a crucial aspect of recruiting students and making your unaccredited university accessible. Here are some strategies to consider:

Scholarships and Grants

Offering scholarships and grants is a common way to attract students to your unaccredited university. These can be need-based or merit-based, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds have an opportunity to enrol. For example, you could offer a scholarship that covers the full tuition fees for high-achieving students from low-income families. Alternatively, you could provide grants to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service or have unique talents in non-academic areas. Publicise these scholarships and grants on your website, social media, and through targeted advertising to attract prospective students.

Student Loans

Another option for financial assistance is to provide low-interest student loans directly to students. While this may not be feasible for all unaccredited universities, it can be a way to demonstrate your commitment to accessibility. Ensure that the loan terms are transparent, with clear information about interest rates, repayment schedules, and any associated fees.

Work-Study Programs

Implementing a work-study program can provide financial assistance to students while also fostering a sense of community and engagement within your university. Students can work part-time on campus in various departments, such as the library, administrative offices, or research labs, earning a wage that helps cover their educational expenses. This approach not only provides financial support but also gives students valuable work experience and a deeper connection to the university.

Partnerships with Employers

Consider establishing partnerships with local businesses or organisations that are willing to sponsor students' education. For example, you could collaborate with companies that offer apprenticeships or internships, providing students with financial support and practical work experience. These partnerships can also lead to potential employment opportunities for students upon graduation, enhancing the appeal of your unaccredited university.

Transparency and Disclosure

It is essential to be transparent about the limitations of an unaccredited degree. Prospective students should be made aware of the potential challenges they may face in terms of employment prospects, credit transfers, and professional licensing. By providing clear information, you establish trust and ensure that students can make informed decisions. Additionally, highlight any successful alumni stories or testimonials that showcase the positive outcomes of graduating from your unaccredited university.

These strategies can help you provide financial assistance and recruit students to your unaccredited university. It is important to remember that the availability and structure of financial assistance will vary depending on local laws, the university's resources, and the specific circumstances of each student.

Focus on video marketing

Video marketing is a powerful tactic for student recruitment, and with good reason. It is a great way to attract prospective students to your website and convert them into inquiries. In today's market, video advertising has revolutionized student recruitment strategies. With attention spans shrinking, video offers a uniquely engaging way to capture attention and convey key messages.

Prospective students, especially those from Generation Z, respond well to videos that are authentic, visually appealing, and emotionally resonant. User-generated content (UGC) is a great way to build trust and foster a sense of relatability. This could be a student documenting their day on campus or an alumnus sharing their career journey. You could encourage students to create this content by offering incentives like branded merchandise or featuring them on official channels.

When creating your own video content, it is important to keep it simple, especially if video production is not your main role. Start with short videos that answer questions prospective students may have, showcase an annual university event, or interview a faculty member. You could also film "a day in the life of a graduate school student" and interview professors about degree programs and courses. These videos can be easily edited using software like Apple's iMovie or Windows' Movie Maker.

To ensure your videos are seen, you can share them on your website, LinkedIn, and via text message if you have an existing relationship with a prospective student. You can also set up targeted campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Emphasise freedom of expression

When recruiting students for an unaccredited university, emphasising freedom of expression can be a compelling strategy. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines to incorporate this approach effectively:

Understand the Value of Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression is essential for achieving the university's mission and fostering a vibrant academic environment. It invites new ideas, diverse worldviews, and open dialogues that challenge students and faculty alike. By emphasising freedom of expression, your university demonstrates a commitment to academic freedom, encouraging inquiry, research, and the exploration of diverse viewpoints. This foundation is critical for progress and innovation in higher education.

Develop a Comprehensive Policy

Craft a well-defined Freedom of Expression Policy that aligns with your university's values and legal obligations. This policy should outline the university's commitment to protecting free speech while also setting clear boundaries. Define "expressive activity" and specify what types of expression are permitted and prohibited on campus. Ensure that your policy complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or equivalent provisions in your country or state.

Encourage Open Dialogue and Inclusivity

Create a campus culture that values open dialogue, inclusivity, and the respectful exchange of ideas. Encourage students, faculty, and staff to express their beliefs, theories, and opinions, even if they differ from mainstream perspectives. Provide platforms for debate, discussion, and the peaceful scrutiny of diverse viewpoints. This can include hosting conferences, debates, or speaker series featuring individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Highlight Academic Freedom

Emphasise the connection between freedom of expression and academic freedom. Highlight how your university upholds the right of students and faculty to pursue knowledge, conduct research, and express their academic views without undue restriction. Showcase stories or testimonials from students or professors who have benefited from this academic freedom, such as publishing controversial research or expressing unpopular opinions without fear of censorship.

Provide Clear Guidelines and Expectations

While promoting freedom of expression, it is crucial to set clear guidelines and expectations for the university community. Communicate that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly and respectfully. Define the university's expectations for civil discourse, including the importance of listening to opposing views, demonstrating concern for safety, and complying with university policies and applicable laws. Make sure that students understand the potential consequences of unlawful behaviour or conduct that violates university policies.

Utilise Marketing and Communication Channels

Use your university's marketing and communication channels to showcase your commitment to freedom of expression. Share success stories, testimonials, or quotes from students, alumni, or faculty who have benefited from the university's supportive environment for free speech. Highlight any notable speakers or events that your university has hosted, emphasising the diverse range of perspectives presented. Utilise social media, brochures, and your website to reach prospective students and showcase your dedication to freedom of expression.

By emphasising freedom of expression in a thoughtful and strategic manner, your university can attract students who value open dialogue, academic freedom, and the exploration of diverse ideas. Remember to tailor your messaging to your specific audience and always remain mindful of legal and ethical considerations.

Frequently asked questions