In the face of dwindling enrollment, talent shortages, and fierce competition, Villa Maria College has defied the odds.

The recent announcement from Villa Maria is nothing short of astonishing: a 14% enrollment increase and their largest incoming class in over 25 years.

Villa Maria's remarkable success is not just a stroke of luck; visionary leadership and student-centric technology have come together to pave the way for the college's extraordinary success.

Villa Maria's achievement can be attributed to several key factors, and we're honored to play a pivotal role.

Exceeding Expectations

Villa Maria College received over 1,000 applications for the first time in history and exceeded its Fall 2023 enrollment goal by an impressive 25%, bringing in 80 more new students (30%) compared to the previous year.

First-time freshman students are up 40%, and transfer student enrollment is up 10% and this year the college welcomed back just over 86% of eligible returning students.

These figures are no small feat in an era where many educational institutions are grappling with declining numbers.

Overcoming Barriers

Villa Maria College's President, Dr. Matthew Giordano, emphasized the importance of making higher education accessible and affordable.

“It has been among the College’s top priorities to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students and their families,” said Dr. Giordano. “We were the first college to eliminate the cost of textbooks and supplies for all students. We addressed transportation issues by working with the NFTA to create a bus stop on campus and by partnering with Lyft to give every student access to the rideshare at no cost to them. We continue to evolve our Achieve program for students with learning differences – the only program of its kind in Western New York. If a student is committed to getting a college degree, Villa Maria is committed to helping them do it.” 

By using AI to automate tasks and boost staff productivity, Element451 has allowed Villa Maria to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that the staff can focus on personalized interactions and support for students.

Embracing Innovation + Technology

Villa Maria's innovative academic programs have captured the attention of a diverse range of students:

• Animation 
• Filmmaking 
• Game design (WNY’s only program) 
• Graphic design 
• Computer Software Development 
• Interior Design 
• And more  

Element451, a pioneer in harnessing the power of AI to streamline student recruitment and engagement, has also been instrumental in Villa Maria's ability to provide quick and accurate information to prospective students, meeting their expectations for a digital-first experience.

Supporting Student Success

Villa Maria College's commitment to enhancing student support services is also evident.

By identifying challenges early on and intervening promptly, they've created a culture of support that is unmatched. This includes addressing issues like food insecurity and housing instability, ensuring that students can focus on their studies with peace of mind.

Villa Maria College's remarkable success isn't just about numbers; it's about a commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience.

Their partnership with Element451 has been a game-changer, enabling them to leverage AI and data-driven insights to not only recruit but also retain students effectively.

We're so proud of our partners at Villa Maria College and know they will continue to lead the charge for success during this challenging time in higher education.