Blackbaud Enrollment Management
Blackbaud Enrollment Management is a comprehensive private school admissions software that streamlines your entire student recruitment cycle from initial inquiry and application tracking to final enrollment and tuition deposits.
SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a specialized application management software designed to help you create, manage, and evaluate online applications for scholarships, grants, awards, and specialized programs with ease.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Blackbaud Enrollment Management | SmarterSelect |
|---|---|---|
| Website | blackbaud.com | smarterselect.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $125/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1981 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Charleston, USA | Plano, USA |
Overview
Blackbaud Enrollment Management
Blackbaud Enrollment Management helps you create a frictionless admissions experience for prospective families while reducing the administrative burden on your staff. You can manage the entire funnel in one place, from the first time a parent visits your website to the moment they sign their enrollment contract. The platform replaces manual spreadsheets with automated workflows, allowing you to track inquiries, schedule campus visits, and manage teacher recommendations effortlessly.
By connecting your admissions data directly to the broader Blackbaud ecosystem, you ensure that student information flows naturally into your school's academic and financial records. You can build custom, mobile-friendly application forms and provide parents with a personalized candidate portal where they can track their progress in real-time. This focus on the family experience helps you stand out in a competitive market while giving your team the data-driven insights needed to meet enrollment goals.
SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a dedicated platform built to simplify how you manage complex application processes. Whether you are running a local scholarship fund, a corporate grant program, or an internal awards ceremony, you can move away from paper forms and messy spreadsheets. You can build custom application forms in minutes using a library of templates and then automate the entire collection process from start to finish.
The software focuses on the three pillars of application management: collecting data, managing reviewers, and selecting winners. You can set up automated messaging to remind applicants of deadlines and provide reviewers with a centralized portal to score submissions. It is designed to scale with your organization, helping you save time on administrative tasks so you can focus on the impact of your programs.
Overview
Blackbaud Enrollment Management Features
- Candidate Portals Give parents a personalized dashboard where they can track application status, upload documents, and view upcoming checklist items.
- Online Applications Create custom, mobile-responsive forms that allow families to apply and pay application fees from any device at any time.
- Automated Communications Set up triggered emails to acknowledge inquiries and remind families about missing documents without manual intervention.
- Event Management Organize open houses and tours by allowing families to register online and tracking attendance directly within their candidate profile.
- Contract Management Generate digital enrollment contracts and collect electronic signatures to secure your incoming class faster and more securely.
- Inquiry Tracking Capture lead data automatically from your website and assign follow-up tasks to your admissions team to ensure no prospect is missed.
SmarterSelect Features
- Form Builder. Create custom application forms quickly with a drag-and-drop interface and access to over 100 pre-built templates.
- Automated Messaging. Send automated email reminders to applicants and references to ensure all materials are submitted before your deadline.
- Reviewer Portal. Give your evaluators a private space to view applications and submit scores without sharing sensitive login credentials.
- Eligibility Rules. Set up qualifying questions that automatically filter out ineligible applicants so you only review the most qualified candidates.
- Document Uploads. Collect transcripts, photos, and letters of recommendation directly within the platform to keep all your files organized.
- Reporting Tools. Generate detailed reports on applicant demographics and scoring trends to share insights with your board or stakeholders.
Pricing Comparison
Blackbaud Enrollment Management Pricing
SmarterSelect Pricing
- Up to 100 applications per year
- Unlimited programs
- Standard email support
- Basic reporting tools
- Automated email notifications
- Everything in Create, plus:
- Up to 500 applications per year
- Advanced scoring and evaluation
- Third-party app integrations
- Priority email support
- Custom branding options
Pros & Cons
Blackbaud Enrollment Management
Pros
- Seamless data flow between admissions and student information systems
- Professional and modern interface for prospective parent portals
- Highly customizable checklists for complex application requirements
- Centralized communication history for every prospective student
Cons
- Initial configuration requires significant time and staff resources
- Reporting tools have a steep learning curve for new users
- Customization options can be overwhelming for smaller admissions teams
SmarterSelect
Pros
- Intuitive interface makes form creation fast
- Automated reminders significantly reduce manual follow-up
- Reviewer portal simplifies the committee scoring process
- Excellent customer support during initial setup
Cons
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming
- Reporting features have a slight learning curve
- Pricing may be high for very small funds