Admitted Yield Strategies: Boost Yield & Reduce Melt | Scoir

You've attracted suspects, engaged prospects, and nurtured those relationships into applicants. Now you're focused on yield and, even after a deposit is secured, the work isn't over. The real finish line is matriculation.

This blog post covers our top tips for getting admitted students to deposit and making it to their first day of classes this fall.

Here's what we cover:
What Is Admitted Yield Rate
What Causes Summer Melt (And Who's Most at Risk)
How to Improve Admitted Yield​ & Combat Summer Melt
Admitted Yield and Summer Melt FAQs

What Is Admitted Yield Rate

Your Admitted Yield Rate is the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll. Divide the number of students who deposited by the number accepted, multiply by 100, and you have your yield rate. Let’s say you accepted 5,000 students, get 1,800 deposits — that's a 36% yield.

According to NACAC, in fall 2022, the average yield rate for four-year not-for-profit private colleges was 33% and 25% for public—putting the overall average at 30%. Not only do you want a strong yield rate because it means more students are enrolling in your institution, but it also signals to prospective students and families that admitted students choose your school over others.

💡Did you know? On average, Scoir students have a 15% higher yield rate!

What Causes Summer Melt (And Who's Most at Risk)

Summer melt happens when a student who applied, got accepted, and submitted their enrollment deposit does not end up actually matriculating in the fall (either because they chose a different school or skipped college altogether).

Here are a few common causes of summer melt:

• Students deposit at multiple schools to save their spot and, of course, can ultimately only choose one

• Affordability is a major factor. Many students come to the conclusion that they can’t afford it, whether they’ve exhausted all their options or not.

• Anxiety can play a role. As the reality of college sets in, many students may get cold feet about moving away from home or hesitant to start this next big chapter of their life.

• Senioritis is a real factor that can lead to revoked admission. Students lose momentum; they may be overwhelmed and/or under-motivated 

Students most at risk to melt:

• First-generation students who lack guidance and support from someone who has gone through the college experience

• Those whose families are financially stretched and/or working students

• Those dealing with anxiety about the transition from high school to college

• Students who are disengaged and unmotivated to finish their senior year strong

There are many reasons a student might never make it to campus. Here's how to combat that.

How to Improve Admitted Yield​ & Combat Summer Melt

1. Keep Students Engaged All Summer

You've spent a full cycle nurturing these students—two if you consider junior search! Don't go quiet now. Remind students why they chose your college, why your campus will feel like home, and why they belong there.

Ways to stay connected:

• CRM workflow: Build a strong admitted yield workflow in your CRM that keeps your school top of mind all summer

• Scoir outreach messaging: With how crowded email inboxes can get, it’s important to reach students through a more direct channel. Message them on Scoir, where they go to connect with colleges. With 83% of students continuing to use Scoir post application, your yield efforts could go a long way here

• Short, snappy texts: Include testimonials, helpful resources, or event invites. Think high-level content that’s informative and supportive

• On-campus summer events: Admitted student days, summer barbecues, orientation, etc. You can invite students via email, text, or Scoir Messaging

• Provide easy access to admissions counselors: A booking calendar on your admissions webpage lets students schedule time without having to call or email

Remember, if you go quiet, another school is filling that silence. Now’s the time to reinforce, reinforce, reinforce!

💡Did you know? 83% of students continue to use Scoir post application. Reach out to students outside their crowded inboxes by messaging them on Scoir!

2. Push Financial Aid & Scholarship Reminders

Many students no longer have access to their school counselor after graduation. That support role now falls to you, especially when it comes to financial aid and navigating the anxieties of starting college.

Affordability is a major factor when it comes to choosing a school and ultimately matriculating. Keep encouraging students who haven't completed the FAFSA to do so, no matter their family’s financial situation. Remind them of institutional scholarships, grants, work study, and any other opportunities your school offers. A financial aid officer booking calendar (similar to what we recommend for admissions) makes it easy for students to get answers without friction.

And don't underestimate the emotional side of melt. As move-in day approaches, early excitement can shift into real anxiety. Consider offering incoming students the chance to meet with someone from your counseling team over the summer. It's proactive support and it sends a clear message that mental health is a priority at your institution, not just a talking point.

3. Start With High-Intent Students

Let’s rewind for a moment and start from the beginning. You'll yield at a higher rate when you recruit students who are already interested in your institution. Traditional enrollment tactics often mean using your well-thought-out strategy, intricately crafted communications, and beautifully designed enrollment pieces on students who may have zero interest in your school. That’s a lot of effort with a low probability of return.

Instead, focus on students who have indicated they want to hear from your college from the start. Where can you find this invaluable list of names? We’re so glad you asked! Access them on Scoir.

We call them Handraisers: students who have explicitly engaged with your institution's profile and opted in to be contacted by you outside of our platform. They're essentially saying, "Hey 👋 I'm interested! Tell me more."

Scoir sends partner colleges the contact information of these students directly. High-intent leads are more likely to apply, deposit, and make it all the way to fall matriculation. Start here on Scoir—book a demo today.

Admitted Yield and Summer Melt FAQs

What is a good admitted yield rate?

Since the overall average yield rate for four-year public and not-for-profit private colleges is about 30%, anything above that is considered a strong admitted yield rate.

What is the difference between yield rate and melt rate?

Yield rate is the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll. Melt rate is the percentage of deposited students who never end up matriculating.

How can a good quality CRM help improve admitted yield?

A healthy, organized CRM with accurate student data and well-functioning workflows will foster improvements across the board—especially with admitted yield. Now is a great time to ensure your admissions CRM yield workflows are in shape.

How can Scoir help us improve our admitted yield rate?

Scoir allows you to reach students (and their parents) where they are actively searching for colleges and asking to connect with schools—on our platform. Often, they’re required by their school counselor to build their college list on Scoir.

On average, Scoir students have a 15% higher yield rate. Learn more about how Scoir can help you improve your yield rate by reading this case study about how the Catholic University of America grew Scoir enrollment by 25% in just one year!