Data-driven technology paired with enrollment, student success, and fundraising expertise empowers institutions to thrive amid disruption

AUSTIN, TX – October 6, 2025

Encoura, an industry-leading educational technology and research organization announced today the acquisition of Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL), a trusted leader in higher education enrollment, student success, and advancement.

Together, Encoura and RNL combine unmatched higher education experience with innovative solutions to help institutions thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Aligned by a shared mission to empower institutions and students to achieve their goals, the acquisition strengthens the delivery of solutions that meet the needs of higher education institutions and students across the full lifecycle journey.

“Higher education is at a pivotal moment, and our partners need solutions that are both innovative and proven,” said Dennis Syracuse, CEO of Encoura. “The addition of RNL expands our capabilities across the entire student lifecycle, from enrollment and award strategy to student retention and advancement, ensuring institutions have the insights, technology, and services they need to thrive in today’s challenging environment.”

For 50 years, RNL has helped thousands of colleges and universities achieve their goals for enrollment, student retention, and philanthropy. By joining Encoura, RNL’s proven expertise will be paired with Encoura’s data-driven platforms and agile technology infrastructure to better serve their collective mission.

“RNL has always stood with institutions in moments of change, helping them reimagine strategies and drive institutional sustainability,” said William McHale, CEO of RNL. “Together, we are blending the best of our solutions to deliver the scale, expertise, and capabilities higher education needs to meet the demands of tomorrow."

This moment represents a significant milestone for higher education. It underscores confidence in the enduring mission of colleges and universities while equipping them with new tools to meet today’s realities: shifting demographics, rising challenges of costs, and accelerating technological change.

“This is not just a combination. It’s an acceleration of transformation in higher education,” added Syracuse. “Together, we will continue to innovate while staying rooted in purpose: putting students at the center of everything we do.”

Tyton Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to RNL.

For more information, visit encoura.org/lp/encoura-and-rnl.

About Encoura

Encoura is an educational data science and research organization serving over 2,000 member institutions comprising public and private colleges and universities across the nation. Since 1972, Encoura has been a leading provider of data science, technology, and programs serving students, high school educators, colleges, and universities with offices in Austin, TX and Boston, MA. These solutions represent the link between students making important life decisions and those providing the resources and information students need to succeed in their postsecondary educations and careers. For more information, visit https://encoura.org.

About RNL

Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) is a trusted partner to more than 1,500 colleges and universities for strategic enrollment and fundraising solutions. With a 50-year legacy of data-driven innovation, RNL partners with institutions to attract, engage, and retain students, increase giving back to institutions, and navigate change and drive sustainable growth.

Media Contact: 

Courtney Baumann

Communications Strategy Group

cbaumann@wearecsg.com