Quick Overview
- 1#1: Civitas Learning - Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.
- 2#2: HelioCampus - Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.
- 3#3: Starfish by Hobsons - Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.
- 4#4: Watermark Insights - Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.
- 5#5: Blackboard Analytics - Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.
- 6#6: Canvas by Instructure - Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.
- 7#7: Brightspace by D2L - Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.
- 8#8: Echo360 - Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.
- 9#9: Watershed - Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.
- 10#10: Learning Locker - Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.
These tools were selected based on robust features (including predictive analytics, real-time data, and integration capabilities), user experience, and tangible value, ensuring they deliver maximum impact across educational and corporate contexts.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies evaluating Learning Analytics Software, showcasing tools like Civitas Learning, HelioCampus, Starfish by Hobsons, Watermark Insights, Blackboard Analytics, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, operational suitability, and value, helping them identify the best fit for their educational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Civitas Learning Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | HelioCampus Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Starfish by Hobsons Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Watermark Insights Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Blackboard Analytics Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Canvas by Instructure Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Brightspace by D2L Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Echo360 Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Watershed Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Learning Locker Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
Delivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.
Provides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.
Offers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.
Tracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.
Advanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.
Real-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.
Insights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.
Captures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.
Corporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.
Open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.
Civitas Learning
specializedDelivers predictive analytics and actionable insights to boost student retention and success in higher education.
Civitas Signals: AI-powered early alert system that predicts student risk with 85%+ accuracy and automates personalized outreach.
Civitas Learning is a leading learning analytics platform tailored for higher education institutions, empowering educators with predictive insights to improve student retention and success. It integrates data from student information systems, LMS platforms, and other sources to deliver real-time dashboards, early warning signals, and personalized intervention recommendations. By leveraging advanced machine learning models, Civitas helps identify at-risk students and measures the impact of support strategies on outcomes like persistence and graduation rates.
Pros
- Exceptional predictive analytics with proven ROI on student retention
- Highly customizable dashboards and intervention workflows
- Seamless integrations with major SIS and LMS like Canvas and Blackboard
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller colleges
- Initial setup requires significant data integration effort
- Advanced features have a learning curve for non-technical staff
Best For
Large universities and community colleges focused on data-driven student success initiatives and scaling retention efforts.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $50,000+ annually, based on institution size and modules; contact for quote.
HelioCampus
enterpriseProvides comprehensive student success analytics integrating data from across institutions for informed decision-making.
Real-time, multi-source data aggregation providing a holistic 360-degree view of student success metrics
HelioCampus is a robust learning analytics platform tailored for higher education, enabling institutions to aggregate data from LMS, SIS, and other sources for real-time insights into student performance and engagement. It offers predictive analytics to identify at-risk students, customizable dashboards for faculty and administrators, and tools for course evaluations and accreditation reporting. The software emphasizes actionable intelligence to drive student success, retention, and instructional improvements.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major LMS like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle
- Advanced predictive analytics for early intervention on student risks
- Highly customizable dashboards and reporting for accreditation needs
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-intensive
- Primarily focused on higher education, less adaptable for K-12
Best For
Large universities and colleges prioritizing data-driven student retention and accreditation compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on institution size and modules; typically starts at $20,000+ annually with quotes required.
Starfish by Hobsons
specializedOffers early alert systems and intervention analytics to support student retention and academic progress.
Early Alert and Retention Management system that automates risk flagging and streamlines intervention workflows across campus stakeholders
Starfish by Hobsons is a student success platform designed for higher education institutions, utilizing learning analytics to identify at-risk students and drive retention efforts. It aggregates data from LMS, SIS, and other sources to provide early alerts, progress tracking, and intervention tools for faculty and advisors. The software offers customizable dashboards, predictive analytics, and communication features to foster data-informed decision-making and improve graduation rates.
Pros
- Robust predictive analytics and early alert system for proactive student interventions
- Seamless integrations with major LMS (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and SIS platforms
- Comprehensive reporting and 360-degree student views for advisors and faculty
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Limited advanced AI/ML capabilities compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large universities and colleges focused on boosting student retention and success through integrated analytics and advising workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on student enrollment (FTE); typically $10-20 per student/year, with quotes required.
Watermark Insights
enterpriseTracks and analyzes student learning outcomes and performance data for continuous improvement.
Outcomes Assessment platform that unifies curriculum mapping, multi-measure assessment data, and predictive analytics for accreditation and improvement
Watermark Insights is a robust learning analytics platform tailored for higher education, enabling institutions to assess student learning outcomes, manage accreditation processes, and visualize program effectiveness through data-driven dashboards. It integrates direct and indirect assessment measures, customizable rubrics, and e-portfolios to track longitudinal student performance and curriculum alignment. The software supports compliance with standards like ABET, HLC, and CAEP by automating reporting and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Pros
- Comprehensive outcomes assessment and accreditation tools
- Advanced analytics dashboards with real-time data integration
- Customizable rubrics and e-portfolio capabilities for detailed tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Primarily optimized for higher education, less flexible for K-12 or corporate training
Best For
Higher education institutions focused on program accreditation, outcomes assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically ranging from $20,000 to $100,000+ annually based on institution size and modules selected.
Blackboard Analytics
enterpriseAdvanced analytics suite for Blackboard LMS users to monitor engagement, predict risks, and optimize learning.
Predictive Retention Analytics that uses machine learning to flag at-risk students early with intervention recommendations
Blackboard Analytics is a comprehensive learning analytics platform integrated with Blackboard Learn, enabling educators and administrators to track student engagement, performance, and progress through interactive dashboards and reports. It leverages data from LMS activities, grades, and interactions to provide predictive insights, such as identifying at-risk students and forecasting retention rates. The tool supports data-driven decision-making to improve course design, intervention strategies, and overall institutional outcomes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Blackboard Learn for real-time data access
- Advanced predictive analytics for student retention and success
- Customizable dashboards and drill-down reporting capabilities
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Blackboard ecosystem, limiting multi-LMS flexibility
- Steep learning curve and setup requiring IT support
- Enterprise pricing can be opaque and costly for smaller institutions
Best For
Large higher education institutions already using Blackboard Learn that need deep, integrated analytics for student success initiatives.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often bundled as an add-on to Blackboard Learn subscriptions starting at several thousand dollars annually based on institution size.
Canvas by Instructure
enterpriseReal-time analytics and data export tools within Canvas LMS for tracking learner progress and course effectiveness.
New Analytics with AI-driven predictive risk indicators that proactively flag at-risk students based on engagement patterns
Canvas by Instructure is a leading learning management system (LMS) with integrated Learning Analytics tools that deliver actionable insights into student engagement, performance trends, and course effectiveness. Features like New Analytics provide customizable dashboards, real-time data visualizations, and predictive risk indicators to help educators identify at-risk students and refine instructional strategies. While not a standalone analytics platform, its seamless embedding within the LMS ecosystem makes it highly effective for institutions seeking unified learning data management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Canvas LMS for instant access to comprehensive student data
- Intuitive, real-time dashboards with customizable visualizations and predictive analytics
- Strong focus on actionable insights like at-risk student identification and engagement metrics
Cons
- Analytics are primarily optimized for Canvas LMS users, limiting standalone flexibility
- Advanced reporting and custom analytics require technical expertise or higher-tier plans
- Less specialized AI/ML depth compared to dedicated analytics platforms
Best For
Educational institutions and educators already using Canvas LMS who want integrated, user-friendly analytics without needing separate tools.
Pricing
Included in Canvas LMS subscriptions; free for teachers, institutional plans start at ~$10-15 per student/year with custom enterprise pricing.
Brightspace by D2L
enterpriseInsights dashboard providing engagement metrics, at-risk identification, and performance analytics for educators.
Intelligent Insights with AI-driven predictive modeling for at-risk student identification
Brightspace by D2L is a robust learning management system (LMS) with integrated learning analytics tools designed to help educators track student progress and engagement. Its Intelligent Insights feature leverages AI and machine learning to provide predictive analytics, identifying at-risk students and offering actionable recommendations. The platform delivers customizable dashboards, real-time data visualization, and performance metrics to support data-driven instructional decisions in educational settings.
Pros
- Powerful predictive analytics via Intelligent Insights for early intervention
- Seamless integration with LMS for holistic student data
- Customizable dashboards and real-time engagement tracking
Cons
- Pricing is institution-scale and can be expensive for smaller users
- Advanced analytics require setup and some technical expertise
- Less specialized than dedicated analytics platforms for deep statistical analysis
Best For
Mid-to-large educational institutions needing integrated LMS analytics for student success prediction and engagement monitoring.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing for institutions, typically $10-25 per active user annually depending on size and features.
Echo360
specializedCaptures and analyzes active learning data from lectures to measure student engagement and comprehension.
Engagement heatmaps that pinpoint exactly where students watch, pause, or drop off in lecture videos
Echo360 is a leading learning analytics platform focused on capturing lectures, delivering interactive video content, and providing actionable insights into student engagement. It enables educators to track video views, quiz participation, note-taking, and attendance through intuitive dashboards and heatmaps. The tool integrates seamlessly with LMS platforms like Canvas and Blackboard, helping institutions optimize teaching strategies based on data-driven feedback.
Pros
- Comprehensive engagement analytics including heatmaps and activity tracking
- Seamless lecture capture and active learning tools like polls and quizzes
- Strong LMS integrations for effortless workflow
Cons
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Advanced analytics require some learning curve
- Occasional issues with mobile accessibility and recording reliability
Best For
Mid-to-large higher education institutions aiming to measure and improve student interaction with video-based content.
Pricing
Custom institutional licensing; typically $10-25 per active student per year, with volume discounts.
Watershed
specializedCorporate learning analytics platform using xAPI to measure training impact and learner behavior.
Impact Analysis, which uniquely links learning data to business outcomes like employee performance and revenue metrics
Watershed is a robust Learning Record Store (LRS) and analytics platform designed specifically for capturing, storing, and analyzing xAPI data from diverse learning experiences across LMS, authoring tools, and custom activities. It empowers L&D teams with customizable dashboards, advanced reporting, and predictive insights to measure learning effectiveness and business impact. By correlating learning data with HR and business metrics, Watershed helps organizations demonstrate ROI on training programs.
Pros
- Exceptional xAPI compliance and integration with 100+ learning tools
- Advanced analytics including predictive modeling and business impact correlation
- Highly customizable dashboards and reporting for enterprise-scale data
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small organizations
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
Best For
Enterprise L&D teams in large organizations focused on proving training ROI through sophisticated data analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on data volume and users, typically starting at $15,000+ annually with tiered plans.
Learning Locker
otherOpen-source Learning Record Store (LRS) with analytics for capturing and reporting xAPI learning data.
Unmatched xAPI conformance with advanced data modeling and conformance testing suite
Learning Locker is an open-source Learning Record Store (LRS) that captures, stores, and processes xAPI (Experience API) data to enable comprehensive learning analytics. It allows organizations to track learner interactions across diverse platforms, generate reports, and visualize engagement metrics through customizable dashboards. The platform supports integration with LMS, authoring tools, and other xAPI-compliant systems for a unified view of learning experiences.
Pros
- Fully open-source with no licensing costs for core functionality
- Excellent xAPI 1.0.3 conformance and scalability for large datasets
- Flexible APIs and integrations with popular learning tools
Cons
- Complex self-hosted setup requiring DevOps expertise
- Basic default UI with limited no-code customization options
- Community-driven support can be inconsistent for enterprise needs
Best For
Technical teams in mid-sized organizations seeking a customizable, cost-free xAPI LRS for advanced learning analytics.
Pricing
Core open-source version is free; Enterprise edition with support and cloud hosting starts at custom pricing (contact sales).
Conclusion
The reviewed learning analytics tools each bring distinct value, from predictive retention insights to real-time engagement tracking, but Civitas Learning rises as the top choice, excelling in boosting student success through actionable analytics. HelioCampus follows strongly with comprehensive institutional data for informed decisions, and Starfish by Hobsons stands out for its effective early intervention systems. Together, they highlight the transformative role of analytics in education.
Take the next step in enhancing learning outcomes—explore Civitas Learning to leverage its powerful insights and drive meaningful progress in student retention and success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
