Explore Case Study
Virginia Tech University – BRICC PIA
App Development, Web Design, Portal & Dashboard Development, UI/UX Design, Website Maintenance & Hosting
Transform Digital Growth for Universities, Colleges, and Research Institutions
Increase Enrollment. Support Research. Build Alumni Engagement.
The Growing Opportunity in Education
Higher ed faces an enrollment cliff: demographic shifts, rising tuition sensitivity, and strict accessibility mandates. The National Student Clearinghouse reports enrollment is flatlining. Students demand seamless digital campuses. We modernize infrastructure by integrating SIS data, LMS portals, and research showcases to drive yield and secure funding.
Trusted by Leading Academic Institutions
We've partnered with universities, research institutes, and edtech firms to drive enrollment and build prestige.
- Read more
Explore Case Study
Examit
Read moreApp Development, Web Design, Portal & Dashboard Development, UI/UX Design, Web App Development, Website Content Writing
Explore Case Study
George Washington University – BCPAP
Read moreApp Development, Web Design, Content Strategy & Execution, UI/UX Design, Video Production, Web App Development
Explore Case Study
Georgetown University – The Rodham Institute
Read moreDigital Marketing, Web Design, Discovery, Information Architecture, SEO, UI/UX Design, Website Content Writing
The Challenges Institutions Face
Combating the EnrollmentCliff and demographic shifts
Ensuring WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 compliance
Data silos between SIS, LMS, and Advancement CRMs
High SummerMelt rates between deposit and day one
Demonstrating research impact to secure federal grants
Inside Higher Ed highlights financial sustainability as a major concern. We modernize your digital presence to help you stay resilient over time.
From Application to Alumni: Full-Lifecycle Enrollment Ecosystems
We integrate recruitment pipelines and academic platforms to accelerate student acquisition, reducing melt and building lifelong affinity.
Accessible Web Design
Accessibility is non-negotiable. We build WCAG 2.1-compliant sites that integrate with Slate CRM to turn visitors into applicants.Campus & Learning Apps
Students live on mobile. We develop campus apps that sync with Canvas LMS and improve retention through instant grade access.Enrollment Marketing
Enrollment requires precision. We deploy geo-fenced campaigns and search strategies that reach right-fit students, filling your class.
Commercials for Universities
Students choose with emotion and evidence. We produce commercials that tell your story clearly and drive applications.
See How We Can Help You Scale
We have the tools to help you grow in the Education & Research sector. Get in touch with our team to discuss how our comprehensive solutions can drive enrollment for your institution.
On Average, Our Education Clients See:
A 12–18% Increase in Organic Search Visibility
Built for Education & Research
We understand the nuances of working with academic institutions. From FERPA compliance to content governance, we tailor solutions to meet them head-on.
Universities (Public & Private)
Large institutions battle bureaucracy. We unify your digital presence and clarify your structure online, improving navigation, engagement, and conversions across key audiences.
Private Colleges
Tuition dependence creates pressure. We build high-touch recruitment journeys that communicate value clearly and reduce summer-to-fall drop-off, protecting tuition revenue.
Online Learning (EdTech)
Asynchronous learners need clarity. We design intuitive LMS interfaces and seamless e-commerce checkout flows that reduce friction, increasing course completion and renewal rates.
Research Institutes
Funding relies on visibility. We build principal investigator showcases and interactive grant data portals that demonstrate impact, attracting federal (NIH/NSF) and private backing.
K-12 Independent Schools
Parents buy outcomes. We create immersive virtual tours and secure parent portals that showcase academic rigor, driving open house attendance and increasing application volume.
Professional Associations
Certifications drive careers. We build searchable member directories and continuing education (CE) portals that automate renewals, increasing non-dues revenue streams efficiently.
Why Academic Leaders Trust Us
We help education and research teams communicate complex work through accessible websites, clear storytelling, and content like video and photography.
"Design In DC listened closely to our vision, elevated the design, and even suggested a stronger logo direction. The experience was very positive."
"Take a look at how we shaped a custom web app through discovery, platform architecture, integration research, and workflow optimization."
"Take a look at how we used video storytelling to communicate research and community impact."
"They helped us present complex work with clarity and purpose. The new site is easier to navigate and built with accessibility in mind."
Design In DC Recognition
Recognition for award-winning digital work across strategy, design, and execution.
Trusted by ambitious teams in the education and research sector and other highly competitive industries.
Award-Winning Web Design
cssdesignawards.com
Web Excellence Award Winner
we-awards.com
Top Washington, D.C.
Web Design Company
clutch.co
Amplify Your Academic Brand
A high-performing .edu website is just the start. Our digital marketing services help drive applications, increase yield, and boost donations.
Sales Automation & Support
Automate outreach to reduce drop-off and increase deposits.
SEO
Dominate program-specific searches and drive qualified organic traffic.
Paid Ad Campaigns
Target right-fit applicants with geo-targeted social campaigns.
Social Media Management
Tell student and alumni stories that build affinity and support.
Email Marketing
Engage prospects and graduates with campaigns that drive action and giving.
Rank Higher for Education & Research Searches
in Washington DC
When students and stakeholders search for programs, admissions, and research in DC,
your institution should be easy to find.
We strengthen technical SEO, program content, and site structure to increase qualified inquiries over time.
Education & Research Questions
Answers to common questions from deans, enrollment officers, and research directors.
How do you ensure website accessibility (WCAG) compliance?
Yes. We design and develop websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 standards.
Accessibility planning includes semantic HTML structure, keyboard navigation validation, screen reader testing, and verified contrast ratios across templates and components. Forms, navigation systems, and media elements are reviewed during development rather than after launch.
This approach reduces legal risk and ensures your digital campus remains usable for prospective students, faculty, and staff with varying accessibility needs.
Can you integrate with our Student Information System (SIS)?
Yes. We integrate securely with major Student Information Systems such as Banner, PeopleSoft, and PowerSchool.
Integrations support controlled data exchange between the public website, student portals, and internal administrative systems. Real time updates can reflect program data, application status workflows, or directory information depending on institutional requirements.
All integrations are structured in coordination with campus IT teams to maintain data integrity and system stability.
Do you have experience with Slate or Salesforce for Higher Ed?
Yes. We have experience working with Slate and Salesforce HEDA for higher education enrollment and advancement teams.
Landing pages, inquiry forms, and campaign assets are aligned with CRM workflows to support recruitment, admissions, and communications strategy. Data captured on the website flows directly into segmentation, automation, and reporting pipelines.
This alignment creates consistent messaging across touchpoints and supports measurable enrollment performance.
How do you handle student data privacy (FERPA)?
Student data privacy is handled in accordance with FERPA requirements.
Systems are configured so that personally identifiable information is encrypted in transit and protected through authenticated access controls. Public pages do not expose restricted records or sensitive data.
Website integrations involving student information are reviewed with institutional compliance officers and IT teams to ensure alignment with campus privacy policies.
How can digital marketing reduce SummerMelt?
Digital marketing can reduce Summer Melt by maintaining consistent engagement after deposit.
Automated email and SMS sequences provide admitted students with timely reminders, onboarding content, housing updates, and orientation resources. Structured communication keeps expectations clear and reinforces the decision to enroll.
Tracking engagement data allows enrollment teams to identify at risk students early and intervene before commitment declines.
What features are essential for a research institute website?
Research institute websites require infrastructure that supports visibility, credibility, and funding transparency.
Core features include searchable publication databases, structured faculty and principal investigator profiles, grant listings, and impact reporting dashboards. Data should be filterable by research area, funding source, and collaboration network.
Clear presentation of outcomes strengthens positioning with funding agencies such as NIH and NSF while supporting academic recruitment and partnership development.