Higher education institutions across the globe are looking to leverage their data towards better student engagement. From a focus on the student experience to real-time integrations in all-in-one platforms, we’ve compiled a list of higher ed tech trends in 2023, and how to use them.

1. From data insight to data action

As institutions gather more data from students, faculty, and staff, they'll need to find ways to effectively harness and analyze that data. 

By using techniques like machine learning and predictive analytics, institutions will be able to make better decisions about everything from admissions to financial aid to academic programming.

What will be different in 2023 is a shift to doing something with data.

Data-driven insights into student engagement can give institutions the roadmap to success. Knowing how to use this knowledge could be the key to saving the educational system. 

2. A renewed focus on the student experience

No group has higher expectations for seamless digital experiences than Gen Z.

They’ve grown up with sleek, user-friendly apps and services built by top consumer companies.

This puts more pressure on schools to provide excellent user experiences. If a student can't find what they’re looking for, and quickly, they’re more likely to move on. That means streamlining your websites, landing pages, and other communications. It also means simplifying processes. Applying to your school, for example, shouldn’t feel like completing your taxes.

Use 2023 as an opportunity to refresh and rethink how you engage with students digitally. Are processes built with ease in mind or influenced by the way your school has always done things? 

3. All-in-one communication platforms 

Today's students are accustomed to getting what they want — when they want it — at the push of a button. To make that possible, we expect to see chatbots and text messaging become part of higher-ed enrollment and engagement software. 

All-in-one platforms can save schools money while also making it easier to provide relevant, cohesive experiences throughout the student journey. 

4. An increased focus on security 

In an age where data breaches happen frequently, it's more important than ever for schools to protect student data. 

A lot can be achieved by focusing on the fundamentals: stronger passwords, two-factor authentication, and encrypting sensitive data. By taking steps now to beef up their security, institutions can help protect themselves — and their students — from potential disasters down the road. 

5. The imperative of real-time integrations

Higher education has a wealth of data, and integration of this data in real-time can make or break a student's experience from applying through graduation. Within these platforms, universities can make the most out of this information — optimizing what's working and what isn’t, to help determine where students could benefit from additional support.