August 2025
Collegiate Consulting Partners with Atlanta Metropolitan State to Elevate Academic and Enrollment Growth
Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC) engaged Collegiate Consulting to review and enhance its 2025 Strategic Plan, Engaging Minds, Advancing Communities. The four-month engagement focused on aligning the college’s academic offerings with enrollment and retention growth goals to position AMSC for long-term success.
For years, AMSC maintained an enrollment of roughly 3,000 students. However, enrollment has declined to 1,590 over the past decade, driven in part by a reliance on two-year associate degree transfer students and heightened competition.
Collegiate Consulting developed a proposed academic portfolio designed to introduce and sustain contemporary, career-focused degree programs that evolve alongside rapid changes in industry and technology. The firm also recommended expanding stackable, industry-aligned credentials and forging strategic partnerships with local businesses to meet workforce demands. These measures are projected to boost full-time enrollment, diversify the student body, and create in-demand career pathways.
Quick Bytes
- Michigan to face fine of more than $20M, coach receives additional suspension – cooperation in investigation questioned, Michigan to appeal sign-stealing ruling
- Investment in real estate may be clearest path for private capital to enter college athletics
- Mid-major conferences launch coalition to lobby Capitol Hill
- NCAA committee extends misconduct review options for men’s and women’s ice hockey
- Tensions rise between Ivy League & Southern university presidents
- Former Wisconsin women’s basketball players sue coach for psychological abuse
- College spending increases 9% as FAFSA completion rates drop, misconceptions persist
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes charitable giving, international student athletes present unique revenue-share risks
- Federal judge grants plaintiffs’ emergency motion for preliminary injunction against Stephen F. Austin State, appeal filed
- Study: Nine in 10 sports fans are streaming sports
- Grad accuses former Truett McConnell VP of pressuring her into physical relationship, sex without consent
- Severe backlogs could cause an estimated 30-40% drop in new foreign enrollments
- Federal policy, economic uncertainty leading to increased deferred maintenance of facilities
- NCAA Softball Committee reprimands East Texas Baptist coach for comments
- Issues with U.S. lead Simon Fraser to reconsider future with NCAA
- DII Executive Board sponsors convention proposals for five seasons of eligibility, establishing a Women’s Bowling Championship
- BYU honor code examined after QB withdraws
What's the Word?
On the precipice of fall, football draws unparalleled focus. The most expensive college sport, while also the most profitable, presents colleges with unique opportunities to tap into fandom. Many schools will be debuting new facilities, upgraded suites, new ticketing systems and other promotions and events to engage with supports and create personalized game experiences.
More and more teams and organizations are using technology and data to tailor interactions and create a more engaging atmosphere for fans. This includes customized mobile content, audio and visual experiences and AI powered tools to enhance the in-stadium experience. Beyond the stadium, personalized offers, digital content, and interactive experiences at home are also gaining traction.
Younger alumni are especially catered to with these approaches; They expect a “frictionless experience” and flawless connectivity within game venues – often proving difficult while simultaneously ensuring essential communications like security, concessions, ticketing .etc. Last year, the NCAA approved the optional use of communication devices putting coaches’ voices directly in a student athlete’s helmet and permitted the use of tablets for in-game video review,
adding yet another layer to the complex connectivity required in college football.
According to Inside Higher Ed’s recent annual survey of chief business officers with Hanover Research, declining student numbers, funding reductions, rising personnel costs and policy changes at the state and federal level pose the biggest financial risks to institutions. In other terms, many schools are struggling to maintain facilities, no less invest in them. With the potential reward being so high (increased ticket sales, alumni donations and more viewership),
universities are faced with difficult fiscal decisions: Elevate now and flourish later or sustain and face withering on the vine.
Valuation Studies Give Insights in Precarious Economy
Proven a key tool in anticipating the rocky waves of the current economy, Collegiate Consulting’s Economic Valuation Studies provide an overall portrait of an athletic department’s worth. These studies not only offer assessment of basic budgetary items, but also intangibles such as potential
value and areas for development.
Our studies use conservative estimates and industry-standard economic models, including advertising value equivalency (AVE) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ RIMS II multiplier, to determine both direct and indirect impact. They often account for student-athlete volunteerism and other intangibles.
In addition to financial data, reports highlight strength of a program’s national exposure. This includes television and other traditional media, along with social media reach.
As we continue to partner with institutions of varying size and conference competition level, we are excited to explore opportunities for each new and existing clients. There are several moving pieces to research that gives our university partners an expanded perspective for potential excellence.
We thrive on connection with our college athletic community, and we seek to champion their notable actions and achievements.
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