Why Fortune 500 Companies Are Adding College Admissions Support to Their Benefits

As competition for talent grows fiercer, companies are looking for meaningful ways to stand out, not just with salaries and stock options, but with family-centered benefits that matter. One benefit quietly reshaping the employee experience in Fortune 500 companies is college admissions counseling for employees’ children.

At Collegewise, we’ve seen firsthand how this benefit helps companies strengthen employee loyalty, reduce stress for working parents, and elevate their employer brand, all while offering a measurable return on engagement.

In this post, we’ll share why college admissions support has become one of the fastest-growing family benefits for large employers and benefit providers, and how organizations are using Collegewise to deliver high-impact, low-lift programs that scale effortlessly.

Why College Admissions Support is the Next Big Benefit

Today’s workforce is filled with parents navigating a stressful, complex college admissions process that often feels like a second full-time job. Between test-optional policies, AI-driven essays, and shifting financial aid rules, many families feel lost and turn to their employers for help.

Adding college admissions support as an employee benefit:

• Reduces family stress during critical life stages

• Increases employee satisfaction and retention

• Strengthens brand perception as a family-forward employer

• Provides a tangible differentiator in competitive hiring markets

At Collegewise, we’ve built a turnkey solution designed specifically for enterprise organizations and benefit partners, one that combines high-touch counseling, easy onboarding, and transparent reporting.

Case Study 1: Seamless Transition to High-Impact College Admissions Support

Client Overview

A leading global technology company headquartered in the Bay Area wanted to upgrade its college counseling benefit. Despite investing heavily in employee well-being, the company’s previous provider had low engagement and no centralized tracking.

The Problem: Low Engagement and Limited Infrastructure

With over 10,000 employees, utilization hovered around 10%. The lack of a digital platform and structured communication left HR teams with little visibility or control.

Our Solution

We analyzed utilization data and designed structured hour caps aligned to budget goals. We handled all employee-facing communications and implemented a dedicated concierge team to manage inquiries, eliminating administrative lift for HR.

To ensure security, we integrated Single Sign-On (SSO) and real-time eligibility updates, automatically onboarding new employees and deactivating departing ones.

Results & Impact

Within three months, participation surged from 10% to over 60% of eligible families. Employees were matched with a counselor within three days, with support available through Zoom, email, and our proprietary platform, Flamingo.

“Collegewise has been an excellent partner. Their team’s expertise and attentiveness during onboarding have made the transition smooth and promising.”

—  Benefit Manager, Global Tech Company

Case Study 2: Rapid Onboarding and Real-Time Insights for Enterprise Benefit Partnerships

Client Overview

A leading provider of family care benefits sought to enhance its offerings by adding college admissions support for its enterprise clients.

The Problem: Low Engagement and Limited Infrastructure

They needed a solution that could rapidly onboard multiple organizations, integrate securely, and deliver real-time usage reporting to support accurate billing and client transparency.

Our Solution

We built a secure API and SSO integration, enabling frictionless access for employees. Our automated daily reporting system provided live utilization data and simplified billing.

A templated onboarding playbook allowed new enterprise clients to go live in as little as seven days, while dedicated communication channels ensured responsive support.

Results & Impact

Multiple enterprise customers were successfully transitioned within weeks. Satisfaction scores increased across the board, with partner teams reporting higher client engagement and retention.

“We couldn’t ask for a better college admissions benefits partner than Collegewise. Families are so relieved to be getting additional support during this overwhelming stage.”

—  Client Service Director, Leading Benefit Provider

What Makes Collegewise Different

Collegewise delivers a human-centered, high-touch experience designed for both employers and families:

• Dedicated Counselor for Every Student — No handoffs or case managers.

• 1:1 Expert Guidance — Structured touchpoints and personalized planning.

• AI-Powered Platform (Flamingo) — Smart college research, essay tracking, and deadline management.

• Custom Webinars & Events — Live Q&As with former admissions officers and experts.

• Concierge Support — Employees receive white-glove onboarding and ongoing help.

• Dedicated Account Manager for Employers — Ensures smooth implementation and engagement tracking.

• Automated Reporting — Real-time data on utilization and outcomes.

Implementation is fast and seamless. Collegewise manages all logistics, from launch materials to employee communications.

Partner With the Leader in College Admissions Benefits

Whether you’re an HR leader seeking to enhance your benefits portfolio or an employee benefit provider expanding into new verticals, Collegewise is the trusted partner for enterprise-ready, family-focused education benefits.

We’ve helped Fortune 500 companies and benefit providers deliver measurable engagement, happier families, and stress-free implementation.

Interested in offering Collegewise as an employee benefit?

Schedule a meeting with Belinda Paras, Director of Partnerships Growth at Collegewise, to learn how we can help your organization implement college admissions counseling that truly makes an impact.

🔗 Connect with our Partnerships Director, Belinda Paras

About Collegewise

Collegewise is the nation’s leading college counseling organization, dedicated to helping students build strong futures through expert admissions guidance. Our team of counselors and tutors has helped more than 30,000+ families navigate the college admissions process with confidence, clarity, and care.