Apply Montana | Montana University System
Reaching the 40%
CMS
Modern Campus CMS
Services
Brand Refresh, Strategy, UX, Design, Content Writing, Content Entry, Development, Marketing
Launched
2021, 2024
THE CHALLENGE
Breaking Down Barriers to Higher Education in Montana
In Montana, nearly 40% of high school graduates do not pursue any post-secondary education. For many, higher education feels out of reach due to financial concerns, geographic barriers, and a lack of clear, accessible information.
In partnership with the Montana University System (MUS), we sought to simplify the path to college by building out an all new Apply Montana platform that encompassed all of the schools within the Montana System, removing friction from the application process, reducing barriers to funding, scholarships and grants, and creating a unified message that made the value of a college degree clear.
Outcomes
to Apply Montana in two application cycles
on digital ads in the first two academic cycles
to the application in the first two academic cycles
OUR APPROACH
Continuous Improvements
Over the course of nearly 4 years, we have worked with the Montana University System to nurture prospective students and help them fund their future.
Our work began with building an updated visual identity, logo, and new website for Apply Montana, a statewide umbrella that allows students to apply to multiple state institutions through a single portal. The initial launch also included a career finder that enables prospective students to explore careers by region, interest, study time, and predicted salary.
Our parent company, RDW Group, promoted the website statewide with advertising campaigns that encouraged adoption.
Three years later, after some user testing, iFactory and the University of Montana System again teamed up to work on site updates. Through interviews and focus groups, we learned that a barrier for many students was the FAFSA forms. High school students we spoke with were overwhelmed by the process, or didn’t think it was meant for them. Recognizing this as a significant challenge, we developed a FAFSA readiness checklist generator that provides customized, step-by-step guidance to any student. By breaking the process down into bite-sized chunks, the readiness checklist allows students, family, and guidance counselors to more easily secure funding.
Through continual micro-adjustments, we ensure that the Apply Montana site stays relevant, accessible, and speaks to the ever-evolving needs of students today.
Amazing having a true partner on board. Far and away your team had personalities and expertise that made a long and sometimes stressful project incredibly engaging for all of us.”
LET'S CONNECT
We would love to hear from you
Want to learn more about this project or engage in a conversation about challenges at your institution?