
Rethinking Enrollment Deposits: Do They Solidify Yield or Create Barriers?
As colleges and universities continue to face increasing competition for a shrinking pool of college-bound students, enrollment leaders are reexamining long-held practices to improve yield and reduce summer melt. One area drawing renewed attention: the role of enrollment deposits.
Do required deposits actually lead to stronger commitment and improved yield? Or are they an unnecessary barrier — particularly for students already navigating affordability concerns?

The Impact of Entry Pathways on Student Retention and Achievement
Navigating the transition from high school to college can be challenging, particularly for students with lower academic preparedness. To address this, many institutions offer entry pathways designed to support students as they acclimate to higher education. Our retention analytics team at SightLine worked with a regional 4-year public institution in the Midwest to evaluate how different entry pathways for students may impact their early and long-term success at the institution.