Stroll through any campus, from elementary schools to major universities, and you’ll spot promo in action. It could be custom pencils in kindergarten classrooms or logoed lanyards displaying student IDs. You might also spot alumni hoodies out in the community or proud parents cheering in the bleachers with branded blankets.
Promotional products are the MVPs of campus life. They show up in classrooms, quads, stadiums and campus events. These logoed items not only spark a sense of pride but also build community. Seeing people repping your school with promo can spark instant camaraderie.
With enrollment on the rise again, there’s renewed opportunity for campuses to build on that camaraderie and boost school spirit. This past spring, total post-secondary enrollment grew 3.2% from last year, with over half a million more students on the nation’s campuses. Community colleges saw the biggest increase, with a 5.4% jump in undergraduate numbers.
Which programs lead the charge? Some of the biggest momentum is happening in certificate programs, which have seen a 20% enrollment boost since 2020. Trade-focused schools are booming, too, with enrollment rising nearly 20% over the past five years.
RELATED: PPEF: Promoting The Future
When it comes to which populations are heading back to campus, Black undergraduate enrollment rose 10.3% this past spring, with multiracial student numbers not far behind, increasing by 8.5%. More students in their 20s are also heading back to class, with a 5.9% increase in students ages 25 to 29.
All these new enrollees mean new ways to connect and foster school pride. The right promo, like school-related gear and on-trend apparel, helps students feel connected and proud to rep their campus wherever they go. Schools can also turn to promo like bold signage and banners to welcome students back to campus or energize fans at athletic events.
With so much learning happening online today, promotional products are more important than ever. They create real, tangible bonds, uniting students, staff and alumni regardless of where they are.
Win Over Students With Promo
Most undergraduate students today are younger than 24, but don’t let their age fool you. The college crowd has major buying power, and they’re using it. Gen Z shapes nearly half (45%) of global consumer spending, and 73% recommend brands they love to friends and families.
Promo can be your ticket in with this group. Give branded water bottles during move-in week or T-shirts they’ll want to wear long after graduation. When you build relationships now, you could gain loyal fans for life.
College Merch Is Booming
Students want to wear their school spirit, and they’re willing to pay for it. Last year, U.S. consumers spent more than $5 billion on college-branded gear. Schools have a big opportunity to give people what they want, whether they’re looking for T-shirts and backpacks or hats and hoodies. Give out branded merch at campus events or sell logoed apparel in campus bookstores. Either way, students will wear it loud, proud and often.
The Changing Demographics Of Today’s College Students
Modern college campuses are evolving, and so are the students who fill their classrooms. This year, undergraduate enrollment topped 19.5 million nationwide. Nearly 1 in 5 of these students is Hispanic or Latino, a group that’s grown 483% since the 1970s. Enrollment among women has also surged, with female college students outnumbering men by the millions.
Connecting with today’s students starts with understanding them. Colleges can turn to promo like logoed notebooks for class and water bottles that go with students throughout their day. Items that truly appeal to the college crowd have a greater chance of getting used regularly and becoming part of their everyday experience.
Use Promo To Build Public Trust
The grades are in, and they’re not particularly great. Fewer than half of Americans (43%) are satisfied with K-12 education quality. They’re concerned about various issues, from school safety to teacher shortages. With items like eye-catching banners, bold yard signs and reusable totes, schools can showcase what’s working and why it matters. In a time when perception can shape policy, clear and visible branding isn’t just smart but essential.
Support Teachers With Thoughtful Promo
Teaching can be tough, and the stats prove it. Nearly 4 million educators work in public and private schools around the United States, but only 16% would recommend the profession to others. Most teachers say they find their job stressful (77%) or overwhelming (68%). This can leave schools facing teacher burnout and high turnover.
One solution to ease the strain? Branded merchandise that celebrates teachers for their hard work. Gifts like custom wellness kits or branded beach towels for weekend relaxation can boost morale and show teachers just how much they’re appreciated.
Campaign Collateral
Welcome new students to campus with a journal like the SlimLine Notepad. Featuring a full-color front cover, this notepad includes a pen and 70 sheets of lined paper.
JournalBooks / PPAI 110769, Gold / journalbooks.com
Students can sip from the Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler on their campus commute, in the classroom and beyond. It holds 40 ounces, fits most cup holders and keeps drinks cold for hours.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
A colorful banner like the EuroFit Swivel Tall Rectangle Sign Kit is perfect for directing traffic to events around campus or hyping up game day at stadiums. This double-sided, full-color banner swivels with the breeze, making it easy to spot and hard to miss.
Showdown Displays / PPAI 254687, Platinum / showdowndisplays.com
Campus bookstores can use totes like the Sustainable Canvas Bag to pack up essentials and give students something they can use all school year. This one is made from recycled denim and a cotton/polyester blend, making it a great eco-friendly promo item.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com
Available in six colors, the Gambit Cap is the perfect way for students and fans to top off their campus style. This unstructured, mid-profile cap comes with a pre-curved bill for a look that’s both cool and comfortable.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com
Start the school year with a splash of teacher appreciation. The Velour Lounge Chair Cover makes a great gift at welcome breakfasts or staff development days. It’s over-sized, ultra-plush and designed with a hood that keeps it in place.
Terry Collection / PPAI 144511, Silver / terrycollection.com
Ideal for student orientation, the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College! is packed with fun, meaningful activities that help students dive into campus life and build lasting friendships. Journaling space makes it easy to capture memories, create campus bucket lists and more.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Standard-Base / thebookco.com
Sellers is a California-based freelance writer and former associate editor at PPAI.
