EAB Company Profile

Background

EAB, established in 2007 as the Education Advisory Board, is a consulting firm dedicated to enhancing educational institutions' effectiveness through research, technology, and advisory services. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., EAB partners with over 2,800 schools, colleges, and universities worldwide, offering solutions in areas such as enrollment management, student success, data analytics, and institutional strategy.

Key Strategic Focus

EAB's strategic objectives encompass:

Enrollment Management: Assisting institutions in attracting and enrolling suitable students through targeted marketing and financial aid optimization.

Student Success: Providing tools and insights to improve student retention and graduation rates.

Data and Analytics: Offering platforms that enable data-driven decision-making to enhance institutional performance.

Institutional Strategy: Delivering research and advisory services to help institutions navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the education sector.

Financials and Funding

EAB has experienced significant financial growth, with estimated annual revenues reaching approximately $750 million in 2023. The company became an independent entity in 2017 following its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners for $1.55 billion. In 2021, BC Partners joined as an investor, further strengthening EAB's financial position.

Technological Platform and Innovation

EAB distinguishes itself through several proprietary technologies and innovative methodologies:

Navigate: A student success management system that utilizes predictive analytics to identify at-risk students and connect them with appropriate resources.

Edify: A data platform launched in 2021 to consolidate student data from multiple institutions, facilitating comprehensive analysis and insights.

YouVisit: A virtual campus tour platform integrated into EAB's offerings to enhance student engagement and recruitment efforts.

Leadership Team

David Felsenthal: CEO since 2017, Felsenthal has been with EAB since its inception, previously serving in roles such as Chief Operating Officer and President.

Catherine Ewell: Senior Vice President of Partner Success since 2016, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and education sectors.

Sally Amoruso: Chief Partner Officer, rejoined EAB in 2014 after holding various executive positions in related industries.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The education consulting and technology market is characterized by a growing demand for data-driven solutions to improve student outcomes and institutional performance. EAB operates in a competitive landscape with several key players offering overlapping services.

Competitor Analysis

Ellucian: Provides cloud-based software solutions for educational institutions, focusing on student information systems and enterprise resource planning.

Jenzabar: Offers integrated software solutions for higher education, including student information systems and learning management systems.

Civitas Learning: Specializes in data analytics platforms aimed at improving student success and institutional outcomes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EAB has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions:

Starfish: Acquired in 2021 to enhance EAB's student success offerings.

Seramount: Acquired in 2021, a leading workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion firm, broadening EAB's services in these critical areas.

Forage: Acquired in 2024, a provider of virtual job simulations for students, aligning with EAB's mission to bridge the gap between education and career readiness.

Operational Insights

EAB's comprehensive suite of services, combined with its data-driven approach and strategic acquisitions, positions the company as a leader in the education consulting sector. Its ability to integrate research, technology, and advisory services offers a distinct competitive advantage.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

EAB is poised to capitalize on the increasing emphasis on data analytics and student success in education. By continuing to innovate and expand its technological platforms, EAB aims to further support educational institutions in achieving their goals and improving student outcomes.