In 2025, with college enrollment declining, securing the right CRM becomes crucial for higher education institutions. Implementing the best CRMs for higher education is key to attracting, engaging, and retaining students, fostering successful alumni relations, and maintaining essential donor connections. A well-selected CRM can effectively manage these relationships and drive institutional success.
Take the example of the University of Wyoming, which increased its enrollment using HubSpot’s advanced tools, demonstrating the significant impact a powerful CRM for higher education can make.
In this guide, we’ll compare four of the top CRMs suited for higher education. Our analysis includes features, costs, and tips to ensure a seamless implementation process. The data used to compile this information is supported by thorough AI-driven research and validated by HubSpot experts.
Explore how an efficient CRM can enhance your institution’s enrollment and interaction strategies today.
Table of Contents
Understanding Higher Education CRMs
A higher education CRM is designed to coordinate interactions with potential students, enrolled students, alumni, and donors through their entire engagement journey with an institution. These systems streamline communication and provide essential insights to enhance the student experience.
Top CRMs for Higher Education to Consider
| CRM | Best For | Key Features | Pricing | Free Trial Available |
| HubSpot | All-in-one needs with AI-driven automation | Comprehensive contact views, AI support | Free CRM; paid plans start at $15/seat/month | Yes (free tier available) |
| Salesforce Education Cloud | Large universities with extensive resources | Education-based data models, modular SIS | Starts at $81.25/user/month | Yes, 30-day free trial |
| Ellucian CRM | Complete ecosystem CRM with SIS solutions | Student portals, application management | Contact for pricing. | No |
| Slate | Purpose-built for admissions management | Unified platform, AI-driven features | Starts at $30,000 per year | No |
Comparing CRM Solutions for Educational Excellence
Choosing the right CRM is transformative for engaging students and optimizing alumni contributions. We will dive into the top solutions for educational institutions.
HubSpot CRM
Best for: Institutions looking for an integrated system with cutting-edge automation
Notable HubSpot Features
- 360-degree contact view: Tailor HubSpot to your processes with customized objects and workflows. Build seamless connectivity across departments for enriched data usage.
- AI-powered Breeze agents: These agents enhance every interaction, providing 24/7 support and creating personalized content.
- Automated marketing for growth: Execute campaigns that respond to student behaviors, ensuring effective engagement.
HubSpot Pricing Information
- Free CRM and foundational tools available
- Advanced features starting at $15/seat monthly
Salesforce Education Cloud
Best for: Large universities seeking enterprise solutions
Features of Salesforce Education Cloud
- Data models tailored to education: Pre-built modules simplify academic administration.
- AI capabilities: Enhance recruitment and advising through AI-driven insights.
- Integrated SIS features: Extendibility through modular additions for class registration.
Ellucian CRM
Best for: Universities requiring an extensive software suite for CRM and SIS processing
Core Ellucian Features
- Student Portals: Customized portals for managing applications and event participation.
- Seamless integration: Unify CRM and ERP data within one ecosystem.
Slate
Best for: Institutions needing focused admission and enrollment management
Slate’s Key Features
- Unified Admissions Platform: Optimize your admissions process with comprehensive tools.
- Integrations and AI: Leverage advanced features for seamless data handling and smarter decision making.
Advancing Education with CRM Systems
Personalized Recruitment Amplifies Enrollment
CRMs offer personalized experiences to boost enrollment. By understanding the unique needs of each prospect, institutions send targeted communications, which significantly impact enrollment rates. The University of Wyoming effectively harnessed this capability through HubSpot.
Simplifying Admissions and Enhancing Efficiency
Automating tasks such as application updates reduces workload. This lets staff focus more on enriching student experiences. HubSpot, for example, streamlines admissions workflows with automation.
Strengthening Retention with Strategic Data
By tracking student interactions, institutions identify those at risk and can act swiftly. Coordinating efforts across departments makes interventions more effective. HubSpot’s systems support these comprehensive strategies.
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