Blog: Best PPC Agencies for Higher Education in 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)

Top PPC Agencies for Higher Education

1. Silverback Strategies

Silverback Strategies is a performance marketing agency with a track record of helping higher education institutions drive measurable enrollment growth. By combining deep industry expertise with a relentless focus on data-driven optimization, Silverback builds campaigns that not only generate leads but also connect marketing results directly to student enrollment goals.

Best For: Higher Education Institutions

Overview:

• Founded in 2007
• Headquartered in Washington, DC

Specialization: Higher education is a unique industry with long decision cycles, high competition, and diverse program offerings. Silverback Strategies understands how to navigate this complexity by developing PPC campaigns that target prospective students at every stage of the funnel, from awareness to application. Our team uses advanced targeting, remarketing, and conversion tracking strategies to maximize efficiency and deliver real enrollment outcomes.

Key PPC Services:

• Paid Search (SEM)
• Paid Social
• Performance Creative
• Display
• Media Mix Modeling (MMM)
• Incrementality Testing
• Data Visualization
• Google Analytics Setup

Key Complementary Services:

• Local SEO
• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
• Website Optimization
• Content Marketing
• Technical SEO
• CRO

Notable Clients & Results:

• Johns Hopkins University
• eCornell

What Sets Silverback Apart: We differentiate ourselves through speed, impact, and accountability. 

• With speed, we run thousands of marketing experiments every year, allowing our higher education clients to move quickly, capture quick wins, and stay ahead of competitors while we build the foundation for long-term success.
• With impact, we go beyond clicks and conversions to tie campaigns directly to tuition revenue and program enrollment. Even better, we help higher ed marketing leaders clearly explain performance results to stakeholders across admissions, finance, and the boardroom. 
• With accountability, your enrollment goals are our goals. Every campaign is built around how we’re pacing toward them, with clear plans, transparent reporting, and consistent communication to ensure alignment every step of the way.

2. HawkSEM

HawkSEM is a digital marketing agency that specializes in high-ROI PPC campaigns for industries with complex buyer journeys, including education. Their proprietary platform, ConversionIQ, helps institutions track performance at every stage of the student journey.

Overview:

• Founded in 2006
• Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA

Services Offered:

• PPC Management Services
• Social Media Marketing
• SEM Services
• SEO Services
• Conversion Rate Optimization
• Reclaim Audience Services
• Content Marketing Services
• Remarketing
• Performance Creative

Notable Clients:

• eThink
• Columbia Virtual Academy

Scorecard Strengths:

• Proprietary ConversionIQ technology for advanced tracking
• Focus on ROI and revenue growth
• Strong experience in multi-channel PPC campaigns

3. eAccountable

eAccountable helps education brands reach prospective students through PPC, affiliate marketing, and paid social campaigns. Their team emphasizes measurable performance, blending creative ad copy with rigorous data analysis.

Overview:

• Founded in 2000
• Headquartered in Denver, CO

Services Offered:

• Affiliate Marketing
• Amazon & Marketplaces
• Amazon Revenue Recovery
• Digital Consulting
• Email Marketing
• SEM / PPC
• SEO
• Social Media Marketing

Notable Clients:

• Undisclosed

Scorecard Strengths:

• PPC and affiliate marketing expertise
• Emphasis on data-driven performance
• Strong reputation for transparency and client service

4. ATRA

ATRA is a boutique digital marketing agency known for highly targeted PPC strategies tailored to education clients. They excel in local and program-specific campaigns that help institutions stand out in competitive markets.

Overview:

• Founded in 2017
• Headquartered in Tempe, AZ

Services Offered:

• Paid Media
• Paid Search
• Paid Social
• Programmatic & CTV
• Analytics and Reporting
• CRO
• Landing Pages
• UX Audit
• Website Development
• Creative Design
• Social / Display
• Video
• Conversion Content
• Branding

Notable Clients:

• Undisclosed

Scorescard Strengths:

• Niche focus on education and training sectors
• Strong local PPC targeting capabilities
• Flexible campaign structures for smaller programs

5. ARSNL Media

ARSNL Media blends creativity with analytics to create PPC campaigns that speak directly to prospective students. Their approach emphasizes storytelling and branding alongside performance marketing.

Overview:

• Founded in 2015
• Headquartered in Miami Lakes, FL

Services Offered:

• Paid Media
• Influencer Marketing
• Creative & Content
• UX
• Web Design & Development
• SEO
• Social Media Marketing

Notable Clients:

• Pearson Education

Scorecard Strengths:

• Balanced focus on branding and lead generation
• Experience with diverse education audiences
• Strong creative ad development

6. The Brick Factory

The Brick Factory offers PPC management for higher education clients alongside web design and digital strategy. Their campaigns focus on driving awareness, applications, and community engagement.

Overview:

• Founded in 2011
• Headquartered in Washington, DC

Services Offered:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Search Engine Marketing
• Social Advertising
• Email Marketing
• Online Fundraising
• Metrics and Reporting
• Design
• Web Development

Notable Clients:

• National University
• Berkeley Advanced Media Institute

Scorecard Strengths:

• Combination of PPC and broader digital strategy
• Strong creative and design support
• Tailored strategies for educational institutions

7. Perfect Search Media

Perfect Search Media helps universities and online education providers drive enrollment growth with data-focused PPC campaigns. They excel in paid search and paid social integration to cover multiple student touchpoints.

Overview:

• Founded in 2010
• Headquartered in Chicago, IL

Services Offered:

• Search Advertising
• Display Advertising
• Shopping Advertising
• Social Media Advertising
• SEO
• Content
• Design

Notable Clients:

• Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
• Saybrook University

Scorescard Strengths:

• Expertise in both search and social advertising
• Clear reporting and communication practices
• Proven results in higher education marketing

8. Search Influence

Search Influence is a digital marketing agency with deep experience in higher education. Their PPC services help schools maximize visibility in local and national markets while aligning campaigns with admissions cycles.

Overview:

• Founded in 2006
• Headquartered in New Orleans, LA

Services Offered:

• SEO
• Local SEO
• Digital Advertising Management
• Analytics
• Content Creation & Strategy
• Lead Tracking
• Speaking Engagements

Notable Clients:

• Palo Alto University
• Tulane School of Professional Advancement

Scorecard Strengths:

• Higher education marketing expertise
• Strong focus on local search and geo-targeting
• Campaigns aligned to enrollment cycles

9. Zero Gravity Marketing

Zero Gravity Marketing provides a full suite of digital marketing services, with PPC as a core focus. They help higher education institutions optimize ad spend while ensuring messaging resonates with student audiences.

Overview:

• Founded in 2013
• Headquartered in Madison, CT

Services Offered:

• Brand Positioning & Strategy
• Integrated Campaign & Media Planning
• Omnichannel Marketing Services
• Affiliate Program Services
• Website Design
• Logo Design & Branding
• Large Scale Graphics
• Photography Services
• Video
• Digital Marketing Audits
• SEO Services
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Services
• Social Media Marketing Solutions
• Content Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Conversion Rate Optimization Services
• User Experience (UX) Strategy Services
• Marketing Analytics Dashboard Services

Notable Clients:

• University of Saint Joseph
• Tufts University

Scorecard Strengths:

• Comprehensive PPC and digital service offering
• Focus on maximizing ad spend efficiency
• Strong client collaboration and support

10. Truth Tree

Truth Tree specializes in education marketing, working with schools and universities to generate qualified leads and increase applications. Their PPC campaigns are tailored to align with the values and goals of each institution.

Overview:

• Founded in 2015
• Headquartered in Brookeville, MD

Services Offered:

• SEM/PPC
• Social Media Marketing
• SEO
• GEO
• Email Marketing

Notable Clients:

• Berkeley Hall School

Scorecard Strengths:

• Niche specialization in education marketing
• Strong alignment of ad campaigns with institutional values
• Proven ability to increase applications and inquiries

How to Choose the Right Higher Education PPC Agency

Choosing the right PPC agency is one of the most important decisions a higher education institution can make. The wrong partner can lead to wasted ad spend and poor-quality leads, while the right one can transform PPC into a reliable engine for enrollment growth. Here are key factors to weigh carefully:

• Proven Higher Education Expertise: Not all PPC agencies understand the unique complexities of higher education. From long decision cycles and strict compliance rules to the differences in marketing graduate programs vs. undergrad enrollment, higher ed campaigns require a nuanced approach. Look for an agency with a clear history of working with colleges, universities, and online programs.
• Track Record of Enrollment Results: Enrollment is the ultimate KPI. Don’t settle for vanity metrics like impressions or click-through rates. The right agency should demonstrate how they’ve improved cost-per-lead, generated more qualified applicants, and driven measurable increases in student enrollment. Ask for data that connects campaign performance directly to admissions goals.
• Full-Funnel Strategy: PPC in higher education isn’t just about getting a prospective student to click an ad. It’s about nurturing them through a long journey that may include multiple touchpoints before they submit an application. Agencies that combine PPC with remarketing, landing page optimization, email nurture campaigns, and CRM integration will help you maximize every lead.
• Local, National, or Global Reach: Where you recruit matters. A community college serving a local population will need geo-targeted campaigns very different from a private university with international applicants. The right agency should tailor strategies to your reach.
• Transparency and Communication: Enrollment marketing often requires alignment across admissions, finance, and marketing teams. The agency you choose should provide clear reporting, connect marketing KPIs to institutional goals, and help you explain results to non-marketing stakeholders.
• Complementary Services: Since PPC doesn’t exist in a vacuum, consider whether the agency also offers SEO, content marketing, and CRO. These services ensure you’re not only driving traffic but also converting that traffic into applications and enrollments.

Common PPC Challenges in Higher Education (and How to Overcome Them)

Running successful PPC campaigns for higher education is rewarding but challenging. The student journey is unlike most industries, requiring patience, precision, and persistence. Here are some of the biggest hurdles and the strategies to solve them:

• High Competition & Rising CPCs: Education is one of the most competitive verticals in paid search. Popular keywords come with high CPCs. To combat this, institutions should invest in long-tail keywords, precise geo-targeting, and layered audience segmentation. An experienced agency will also test messaging angles to differentiate your programs from competitors.
• Long Decision Cycles: Students often take months, sometimes over a year, to research and choose a program. This makes tracking ROI difficult. The solution is multi-touch attribution and integrated tracking. Strong PPC agencies set up systems that connect the first click to eventual enrollment, giving you visibility into which campaigns truly drive applications.
• Compliance and Regulatory Restrictions: Higher ed marketing is subject to strict advertising regulations, especially for financial aid, tuition claims, and program guarantees. Missteps can lead to disapproved ads. Partnering with an agency experienced in higher ed compliance ensures campaigns stay effective without crossing legal boundaries.
• Attracting Qualified Leads (Not Just Clicks): Clicks mean nothing if they don’t convert into students. Many schools struggle with unqualified inquiries that waste admissions teams’ time. Overcoming this requires precise targeting, message alignment with program benefits, and strong conversion optimization on landing pages. Agencies should refine campaigns to focus on prospective students who are truly likely to apply.
• Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Dozens of institutions may compete for the same students in your region or program type. To stand out, your ads need compelling creative, strong differentiators (career outcomes, program format, faculty expertise), and consistent testing to optimize performance. Agencies that run rapid experiments will help your campaigns stay fresh and competitive.
• Aligning Marketing with Admissions Goals: One of the most common breakdowns in higher ed PPC is misalignment between marketing and admissions teams. The best agencies bridge this gap by designing campaigns around enrollment targets, not marketing vanity metrics, and by facilitating communication between both sides to ensure goals remain consistent.

The Bottom Line: Finding the Right Marketing Partner in 2025

Silverback Strategies stands out as the top recommendation for higher education PPC in 2025, combining speed, impact, and accountability to deliver enrollment-driven results. Their proven track record in the education space, coupled with transparent communication and data-driven optimization, makes them a trusted partner for colleges and universities looking to maximize their advertising investment.

Contact us today to explore how a tailored PPC strategy can help your institution grow.

This list is updated quarterly to reflect the most relevant and effective agencies in the higher education PPC space.