Quick Overview
- 1#1: EAB Navigate - Predictive analytics and intervention platform that improves student retention and graduation rates in higher education.
- 2#2: Civitas Learning - AI-driven student success platform providing insights and actions to enhance retention and completion.
- 3#3: Starfish by Helix Education - Early alert and retention management system fostering student engagement and success.
- 4#4: Ellucian Student Success - Integrated early intervention and analytics tool for boosting higher ed student retention.
- 5#5: Ruffalo Noel Levitz Retention Solution - Data-driven retention management system with surveys and interventions for colleges.
- 6#6: InsideTrack - Coaching technology platform that personalizes support to improve student retention and outcomes.
- 7#7: Valence - AI-powered advising platform automating workflows to enhance student retention.
- 8#8: Stellic - Unified platform for student progression tracking and retention risk management.
- 9#9: Watermark Insights - Analytics platform delivering retention insights and student success metrics.
- 10#10: Territorium - Modern retention platform using data science for proactive student support.
Tools were selected and ranked based on features like predictive analytics and AI, quality of support, ease of integration, and value, ensuring they effectively address retention challenges
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key higher education retention software tools, including EAB Navigate, Civitas Learning, Starfish by Helix Education, Ellucian Student Success, Ruffalo Noel Levitz Retention Solution, and additional platforms. Readers will gain clarity on features, integration potential, and unique value to select tools that match their institution’s retention objectives.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EAB Navigate Predictive analytics and intervention platform that improves student retention and graduation rates in higher education. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Civitas Learning AI-driven student success platform providing insights and actions to enhance retention and completion. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Starfish by Helix Education Early alert and retention management system fostering student engagement and success. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Ellucian Student Success Integrated early intervention and analytics tool for boosting higher ed student retention. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Ruffalo Noel Levitz Retention Solution Data-driven retention management system with surveys and interventions for colleges. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | InsideTrack Coaching technology platform that personalizes support to improve student retention and outcomes. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Valence AI-powered advising platform automating workflows to enhance student retention. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Stellic Unified platform for student progression tracking and retention risk management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Watermark Insights Analytics platform delivering retention insights and student success metrics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Territorium Modern retention platform using data science for proactive student support. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Predictive analytics and intervention platform that improves student retention and graduation rates in higher education.
AI-driven student success platform providing insights and actions to enhance retention and completion.
Early alert and retention management system fostering student engagement and success.
Integrated early intervention and analytics tool for boosting higher ed student retention.
Data-driven retention management system with surveys and interventions for colleges.
Coaching technology platform that personalizes support to improve student retention and outcomes.
AI-powered advising platform automating workflows to enhance student retention.
Unified platform for student progression tracking and retention risk management.
Analytics platform delivering retention insights and student success metrics.
Modern retention platform using data science for proactive student support.
EAB Navigate
enterprisePredictive analytics and intervention platform that improves student retention and graduation rates in higher education.
AI-powered risk stratification that predicts student outcomes up to a year in advance with 85%+ accuracy
EAB Navigate is a leading student success platform for higher education institutions, leveraging predictive analytics and data integration to identify at-risk students and drive proactive interventions. It centralizes advising workflows, early alerts, case management, and progress tracking to improve retention and graduation rates. The tool integrates seamlessly with student information systems (SIS) like Banner and Canvas, providing actionable insights for advisors and administrators.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven predictive modeling identifies at-risk students early with proven retention gains
- Comprehensive integration with SIS, LMS, and CRM systems for holistic data views
- Robust intervention tracking and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- High implementation complexity and training requirements
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for smaller institutions
- Occasional lag in performance with very large datasets
Best For
Large universities and colleges prioritizing data-driven retention strategies and scalable advising support.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on enrollment size; typically $75-$150 per FTE student annually, with quotes required.
Civitas Learning
specializedAI-driven student success platform providing insights and actions to enhance retention and completion.
Illuminate's proprietary predictive risk models that deliver institution-specific forecasts with 85%+ accuracy
Civitas Learning is a data-driven student success platform tailored for higher education institutions to enhance retention, persistence, and completion rates. It uses advanced predictive analytics, machine learning models, and integrated workflows to identify at-risk students early and facilitate targeted interventions by advisors and faculty. The platform provides intuitive dashboards, real-time insights, and collaboration tools to unify data from SIS, LMS, and other sources for actionable student success strategies.
Pros
- Sophisticated predictive analytics with high accuracy for identifying at-risk students
- Seamless integrations with major SIS and LMS systems like Banner and Canvas
- Robust intervention management and progress tracking tools
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Initial setup and data integration require significant IT resources
- Advanced features demand data literacy from users
Best For
Mid-to-large universities and colleges prioritizing scalable, analytics-powered retention strategies.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically $50K–$500K+ annually based on student enrollment and modules.
Starfish by Helix Education
enterpriseEarly alert and retention management system fostering student engagement and success.
Predictive early alerting system that uses AI-driven analytics to identify at-risk students in real-time and automate intervention workflows.
Starfish by Helix Education is a comprehensive student retention and success platform tailored for higher education institutions. It enables early identification of at-risk students through predictive analytics and alerts, facilitates targeted interventions via advising tools and communication workflows, and provides data-driven insights to boost retention and graduation rates. The solution integrates with major student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS) like Banner, Canvas, and Blackboard to create a holistic view of student progress.
Pros
- Robust predictive analytics and early alerting for proactive student interventions
- Strong integrations with SIS, LMS, and CRM systems for seamless data flow
- Comprehensive tools for advising, degree auditing, and progress tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive staff training
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large universities and colleges prioritizing data-driven retention strategies and integrated student success management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on institution size, user count, and modules; typically ranges from $50,000 to $200,000+ annually with implementation fees.
Ellucian Student Success
enterpriseIntegrated early intervention and analytics tool for boosting higher ed student retention.
AI-powered predictive risk modeling that forecasts student attrition with customizable indicators and intervention recommendations
Ellucian Student Success is a comprehensive platform tailored for higher education institutions to boost student retention through data-driven insights and intervention tools. It uses predictive analytics to identify at-risk students early, enabling proactive advising, case management, and progress tracking. Deeply integrated with Ellucian's ERP systems like Banner, it provides customizable workflows and reporting to support personalized student success strategies.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Ellucian Banner and other ERP systems
- Advanced AI-driven predictive analytics for early risk detection
- Robust case management and intervention tracking tools
Cons
- High implementation costs and long setup times
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited customization outside the Ellucian ecosystem
Best For
Large universities and colleges already using Ellucian systems that need enterprise-grade retention analytics and advising tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often starting at $100,000+ annually based on institution size and modules.
Ruffalo Noel Levitz Retention Solution
specializedData-driven retention management system with surveys and interventions for colleges.
Proprietary Retention Predictor model using longitudinal higher ed data for precise at-risk identification
Ruffalo Noel Levitz Retention Solution is a comprehensive student success platform tailored for higher education institutions to boost retention and completion rates. It leverages predictive analytics, early alert systems, and case management tools to identify at-risk students and enable timely interventions. The solution integrates with major SIS platforms like Banner and PeopleSoft, offering communication workflows, progress tracking, and reporting dashboards to support data-driven retention strategies.
Pros
- Proven predictive analytics powered by decades of higher ed data
- Strong integrations with legacy SIS systems
- Comprehensive case management and intervention tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less flexible for smaller institutions compared to modern SaaS options
Best For
Mid-to-large universities with complex SIS environments seeking robust, data-driven retention management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on student enrollment; typically $50,000+ annually with implementation fees.
InsideTrack
specializedCoaching technology platform that personalizes support to improve student retention and outcomes.
CoachTrack AI-powered matching engine that pairs at-risk students with optimal coaches based on predictive success factors
InsideTrack is a student success platform designed for higher education institutions to improve retention and completion rates through predictive analytics and human coaching. It analyzes student data from LMS, SIS, and other sources to identify at-risk students early, then matches them with professional coaches for personalized interventions. The platform emphasizes a blended approach of technology-driven insights and human support, delivering measurable outcomes in persistence and graduation.
Pros
- Proven track record with data-backed retention improvements up to 10-15% at partner institutions
- Seamless integration with major SIS and LMS systems for real-time student data
- Scalable coaching model with trained professionals for personalized student support
Cons
- High implementation costs and custom pricing can strain smaller budgets
- Relies heavily on human coaches, limiting full automation for some users
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical staff during onboarding
Best For
Mid-to-large higher ed institutions prioritizing personalized, coach-led interventions alongside analytics for at-risk student retention.
Pricing
Custom pricing model, typically $50-150 per student annually based on enrollment size and coaching volume; contact for quote.
Valence
specializedAI-powered advising platform automating workflows to enhance student retention.
Valence Hub: A mobile-first student portal for real-time engagement, surveys, and interventions in one unified app.
Valence is a comprehensive student success platform designed for higher education institutions to boost retention through proactive engagement and data-driven interventions. It offers tools for early alerts, personalized communications via text, email, and in-app messaging, progress tracking, and predictive analytics to identify at-risk students. The platform integrates with major SIS and LMS systems like Canvas and Blackboard, enabling student success teams to intervene effectively and improve outcomes.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel communication tools for direct student outreach
- Strong predictive analytics and early alert system for retention
- Seamless integrations with popular LMS and SIS platforms
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller institutions
- Advanced analytics require some data science expertise
- Limited free trial or demo access without sales contact
Best For
Mid-sized universities and colleges with dedicated student success teams seeking proactive retention strategies.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on student enrollment; typically $5-12 per FTE student annually, with quotes required.
Stellic
specializedUnified platform for student progression tracking and retention risk management.
AI Progression Framework that dynamically maps individualized student success pathways and predicts risks at key milestones
Stellic is an AI-powered student success platform for higher education that focuses on improving retention by identifying at-risk students early through predictive analytics and automated interventions. It integrates seamlessly with SIS, LMS, and other campus systems to provide real-time insights into student engagement, academic progress, and well-being. Institutions use Stellic to deploy personalized nudges, streamline advising workflows, and track outcomes to boost persistence and graduation rates.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven risk prediction and early alerts
- Strong integrations with major SIS/LMS systems
- Customizable communication and intervention tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Reporting customization could be more flexible
- Higher cost may strain smaller institution budgets
Best For
Mid-sized universities seeking data-driven retention strategies with robust analytics and automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per FTE student annually, with implementation fees.
Watermark Insights
enterpriseAnalytics platform delivering retention insights and student success metrics.
AI-powered predictive retention modeling that forecasts student risk with high accuracy using multi-source data
Watermark Insights is a powerful analytics platform tailored for higher education, aggregating data from SIS, LMS, and other sources to deliver actionable insights on student performance and retention. It features predictive modeling to identify at-risk students early, customizable dashboards for tracking key metrics, and tools for intervention planning to boost persistence rates. Institutions use it to inform advising, program improvements, and accreditation reporting with data-driven precision.
Pros
- Advanced predictive analytics for at-risk student identification
- Seamless integrations with major SIS and LMS systems like Banner and Canvas
- Highly customizable dashboards and reporting for accreditation needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users and administrators
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller colleges
- Limited standalone mobile app; best accessed via web dashboards
Best For
Mid-to-large universities needing comprehensive, integrated analytics for retention strategies and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per FTE student annually; requires quote based on institution size and modules.
Territorium
specializedModern retention platform using data science for proactive student support.
Continuously adapting machine learning risk models that personalize predictions for each institution's unique data
Territorium is an AI-driven student success platform tailored for higher education, focusing on predicting and preventing student attrition through advanced analytics. It identifies at-risk students using machine learning models that analyze academic, behavioral, and demographic data, enabling proactive interventions via automated alerts, case management, and communication tools. The platform provides customizable dashboards and reporting to track retention efforts and measure outcomes across departments.
Pros
- Powerful AI predictive analytics for early risk detection
- Comprehensive intervention workflows and case management
- Seamless integrations with SIS, LMS, and CRM systems
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users
- Higher cost may strain smaller institution budgets
- Reporting customization lacks advanced flexibility
Best For
Medium to large universities and colleges seeking data-driven retention strategies with strong analytics.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on enrollment size; typically $5-15 per FTE annually, with enterprise quotes required.
Conclusion
The review of top higher education retention software highlighted standout performers, with EAB Navigate leading as the top choice, thanks to its robust predictive analytics and proven impact on retention and graduation rates. While EAB Navigate excels in intervention capabilities, Civitas Learning and Starfish by Helix Education emerge as strong alternatives, offering AI-driven insights and early alert tools to address diverse institutional needs. Ultimately, the best fit depends on specific goals, but these top three provide a reliable path to enhancing student success.
Don’t miss out on transforming retention efforts—explore EAB Navigate, the top-ranked solution, and empower your institution to support students effectively from enrollment to completion.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison