As yield season approaches, standing out in the crowded admissions landscape is more crucial than ever. The test-optional movement has made it easier for students to apply to multiple schools, leading to more competitive enrollment decisions. Universities are leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) to create immersive and interactive experiences that captivate admitted students, strengthening their connection to the institution and increasing yield rates. Research has shown that AR-based marketing campaigns can increase user engagement by up to 94%, with conversion rates rising by as much as 70% when interactive digital elements are incorporated. Additionally, institutions utilizing AR in outreach efforts report higher retention rates among engaged students.
With AR, universities can transform traditional marketing materials into dynamic, interactive experiences that engage students on a deeper level. From AR-enhanced acceptance letters to immersive student yield videos, leading institutions like Iowa State University (ISU), Fordham University, and Central Michigan University are embracing AR to make a lasting impression. Here’s how:
Iowa State University (ISU): Bringing Student Experiences to Life
Iowa State University has introduced an innovative AR Student Experience Card to give admitted students an authentic glimpse into life on campus. By scanning the QR code on the card, students unlock an interactive interview featuring real ISU students sharing their experiences, insights, and campus highlights. The card also provides external links, allowing prospective students to easily explore more about the school and take the next steps in their enrollment journey. This approach ensures that admitted students develop a clear and specific sense of what life is like at ISU, helping them make a more informed college decision.
Central Michigan University's 3D Foldable Cube: A New Dimension of AR
Central Michigan University is pushing the envelope even further with a 3D foldable cube that integrates AR video tracking. Each face of the cube features a unique interactive AR component, including a student welcome video and clickable hotspots leading to key resources. This cube transforms a simple mailer into a fully immersive experience, making the admissions process more engaging, personalized, and memorable.
Fordham University demonstrates the multifaceted use of AR in engaging admitted students. Their AR business card features multiple student faces, and when scanned, each face comes to life with a clickable video story. This interactive experience allows admitted students to hear personalized accounts from Fordham students, sharing their journeys, academic experiences, and campus life. By condensing essential admissions information into a digital, interactive format, Fordham effectively blends traditional mailers with dynamic, student-driven storytelling.
One of the most effective ways to enhance school spirit is by incorporating AR into yield swag. Schools like Fordham University and ISU have utilized AR filters that allow students to virtually “try on” school gear, paint their face in school colors, or interact with a 3D version of the university mascot. These interactive elements make school-branded swag more than just a keepsake—they become an interactive, shareable moment that reinforces school identity.
The Power of AR in Yield Season
The key to successful yield campaigns is engagement, and AR provides a direct way to connect with students on their preferred devices. The University of Dayton has successfully used AR in admitted student mailers by incorporating a 3D animated version of their mascot. This creative strategy turns simple print marketing into a compelling digital experience, increasing brand recall and emotional connection. Whether through interactive video messages, digital campus tours, or gamified AR elements, universities that adopt AR yield strategies see increased student excitement and deeper engagement.
Tracking Success: AR’s Role in Measuring Yield
Beyond engagement, AR campaigns provide valuable real-time analytics that allow universities to measure effectiveness and refine their approach. Unlike traditional print materials, AR marketing efforts can track user interactions, from how many students scan an AR acceptance letter to which yield videos receive the most views. This data-driven approach ensures that universities optimize their yield strategies, leading to more personalized, impactful student outreach.
Transform Your Yield Strategy with CampusXR
CampusXR’s AR tools go beyond novelty—they create meaningful, interactive experiences that keep students engaged, excited, and committed to enrolling. Whether it’s an AR-powered acceptance letter, an interactive mascot experience, or a 3D foldable cube with embedded videos, AR helps universities cut through the noise and make a lasting impact during the crucial yield phase.
Interested in taking your university’s yield campaign to the next level? Contact CampusXR today to discover how our innovative AR solutions can help you turn admitted students into enrolled students with immersive, data-driven engagement.