Case Study: Rider University

Using Data & Smarter Media to Boost Enrollment

Carver Bank, a leading community development financial institution, wanted to strengthen profitability and accelerate deposit growth. With a focus on diverse communities and financial empowerment, Carver sought a data-driven plan to drive both near-term deposit acquisitions and long-term scalability.

Objective

Elevate general brand awareness and drive prospective student conversions by emphasizing:

  • Scholarship and financial aid opportunities

  • Lifting financial and enrollment barriers

  • Encouraging direct engagement with Rider’s academic programs

Strategies Implemented

  • Full-Funnel Approach

    Leveraged a wide mix of tactics across Search, Meta, Display, LinkedIn, Audio, and CTV to move students from awareness to action – Leveraged a wide mix of tactics across Search, Meta, Display, LinkedIn, Audio, and CTV to move students from awareness to action.

  • Interactive CTV (TrueX)

    Deployed engaging video with clickable CTAs that encouraged prospective students to learn more about specific programs.

  • Value-Based Messaging

    Focused creative on scholarships, aid, and affordability to directly address common student concerns.

  • Optimization by Insights

    Streamlined conversion steps and expanded targeting beyond Rider’s core geography to capture new high-performing audiences.

Results

20,392,061

impressions delivered

112,674

clicks

1,597,612 completions

across digital video and audio

11,762 conversions

(“Apply Now” button clicks initiating applications)

Search generated

the highest conversion rate (21.81%)

while CTV and TrueX delivered completion rates of

95%+

Creative Highlights

Engaging mobile-first video and display ads promoting scholarships and merit-based aid

Sponsored Google search ads tailored to future teachers, financial aid, and majors/minors exploration

Full-funnel CTV ads featuring students on campus and value-driven messaging

TrueX Interactive CTV campaign drove 3x the benchmark interactions and held viewer attention for an average of 52 seconds

Summary

Media Thesis helped Rider University achieve strong brand awareness and student lead generation by uniting interactive media, optimized targeting, and value-driven messaging. The campaign exceeded benchmarks across digital channels, lifting Rider’s enrollment funnel and reinforcing its brand as an accessible, opportunity-rich institution for higher education.