2025 AI Search Trends: Enrollment Impact Brief

AI invisibility is costing you enrollments.

New data reveals AI discovery is the #1 driver of enrollments. 

Everspring’s latest analysis of more than 100,000 student leads exposes a defining shift in higher ed: If your programs aren’t visible in AI, they’re not visible to students. And your enrollments are paying the price.

This isn’t a marketing issue—it’s a brand issue.

The Enrollment Impact brief shows what it takes to keep your programs in front of students. What most don’t expect: the solution is smarter strategy, not more spend.

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Cover of Everspring’s 2025 AI Search Trends: Enrollment Impact Brief with charts and data visuals on AI visibility and enrollments.

Inside the Enrollment Impact Brief

Students discovering programs through AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews are 2–3x more likely to apply than those coming from paid channels. If your programs aren’t appearing in those answers, your dollars are working harder and delivering less.

The brief covers:

  • Which channels are delivering the most qualified applicants, not just leads
  • How to structure your content so AI tools can surface your programs, not your competitors’
  • How students use ChatGPT to find schools and what this means for your admissions team
ChatGPT interface showing a user asking about the online MSW program format and field placements under the prompt ‘What can I help with?’

Google search page showing a query asking for a breakdown of the University of Kansas MBA curriculum, core courses, and electives.

Perplexity AI interface showing a user asking for questions to ask during an information session for a program.

Inside the Enrollment Impact Brief

Students discovering programs through AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews are 2–3x more likely to apply than those coming from paid channels. If your programs aren’t appearing in those answers, your dollars are working harder and delivering less.

The brief covers:

  • Which channels are delivering the most qualified applicants, not just leads
  • How to structure your content so AI tools can surface your programs, not your competitors’
  • How students use ChatGPT to find schools and what this means for your admissions team
ChatGPT interface showing a user asking about the online MSW program format and field placements under the prompt ‘What can I help with?’

What’s at Stake

Enrollment is now won—or lost—in AI search.

Universities investing more in traditional paid campaigns are seeing higher costs and fewer enrollments, while those appearing in AI results are reaching qualified students for less spend.

The brief breaks down what AI invisibility is really costing universities—missed applicants, wasted ad spend, and vanishing visibility.

Learn how to protect your programs, your pipeline, and your brand before next year’s class is decided without you.

Download the AI Search Trends Report: Enrollment Impact Brief

Spend smarter. Enroll stronger. Stay visible.

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