When it comes to communicating with college students, text messaging has become an increasingly popular method for universities. Not only is texting a quick and convenient way to communicate with students, but it has also been shown to increase student engagement and improve student outcomes. So what are universities using it for? Well, a little bit of everything.  But one of the areas it can give them the most leverage is around getting students to take actions - like paying their bills in a way that feels more friendly and less adversarial. Here’s what it looks like in practice:

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Increased Payment Compliance: One of the primary benefits of texting students about tuition payments is increased payment compliance. According to a study by education technology company Blackboard, institutions that used text messaging to communicate with students about tuition payments saw a 32% increase in on-time payments compared to institutions that did not use text messaging. This is because text messages are more likely to be read and responded to than emails or paper mailings, which can often go unnoticed or be overlooked by students.

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Improved Student Satisfaction: Texting students about tuition payments can also improve student satisfaction. According to a survey by education technology company Rave Mobile Safety, 80% of college students said they would be more likely to respond to a text message from their university than an email or phone call. By using texting to communicate with students about tuition payments, universities can make the payment process more convenient and less stressful for students, which can ultimately lead to improved student satisfaction and retention.

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Quick and Convenient Communication: Texting is a quick and convenient method of communication, making it an ideal way for universities to reach out to students about tuition payments. According to a survey by Higher Ed Growth, 98% of text messages are read within two minutes of being received. This means that universities can quickly and easily communicate important information about tuition payments to students, without the need for lengthy emails or phone calls.

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Personalized Communication: Texting also allows universities to communicate with students in a personalized way. Institutions can use text messaging to send personalized reminders and notifications to students about upcoming tuition deadlines, as well as to answer any questions or concerns that students may have about the payment process. By providing personalized communication, universities can improve the overall student experience and build stronger relationships with their students.

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Texting students about tuition payments offers numerous benefits to universities, including increased payment compliance, improved student satisfaction, quick and convenient communication, and personalized communication. By leveraging the power of texting, universities can streamline the payment process, reduce administrative costs, and ultimately improve the financial health of their institutions. As the use of technology in higher education continues to grow, it is likely that texting will become an increasingly important tool for universities looking to communicate with their students in an effective and efficient way.

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