Solutions > Kenektic for Universities > University Impact
Measurable Impact on What Matters Most
From retention to mental health to academic performance — see the evidence for investing in student connection.
Retention ROI
Every student who stays is tuition retained, reputation strengthened, and a life changed
Connected students are significantly more likely to persist through their degree
Per 1,000 students at $37K average tuition — even a modest improvement compounds
Students with strong social networks complete degrees faster
Retention Impact Calculator
Based on $100K average lifetime tuition. A university losing 30% of 5,000 freshmen = 1,500 dropouts × $100K = $150M in lost lifetime tuition.
Mental Health Impact
Proactive connection is upstream mental health care
Proactive connection reduces the crisis-level loneliness that overwhelms counseling centers
Reduced demand on counseling staff, fewer emergency interventions, lower liability
Academic Performance
Connected students consistently outperform isolated peers
Students with campus friendships engage more in academic settings
Social support networks provide accountability and motivation
Engagement Metrics
Competitive Advantage
With a 15% decline in the Gen Z population by 2030, student belonging is becoming a key differentiator in recruitment.
Gen Z's #1 concern when choosing a college: “Will I find my people?”
Research Data & Partnership
Kenektic is a research platform as much as a wellness tool — generating valuable data that helps your institution understand its students and contribute to academic knowledge.
Campus-Specific Data
Anonymized, aggregate data on social connection patterns, loneliness trends, and intervention effectiveness specific to your campus and student body.
Faculty Research Support
Co-publish studies with your psychology, sociology, and public health departments. IRB-approved methodology support for research on student wellbeing and social connection.
Cross-Institution Insights
Access anonymized data shared across all partner universities, contributing to a growing body of research on student loneliness and connection in higher education.
Equity & Inclusion Outcomes
Connection is an equity issue. Students who lack social capital fall through the cracks first.
First-Generation Students
Bridge the social capital gap with matches who understand the first-gen experience while connecting across backgrounds
International Students
Cross-cultural matching that reduces isolation while respecting cultural preferences and language needs
LGBTQ+ Students
Opt-in affinity matching creates safe spaces for authentic connection without outing concerns
Students of Color
Both affinity-based and cross-racial connections that build belonging and combat racial isolation
Transfer Students
Priority matching for late arrivals who miss traditional orientation connection opportunities
Commuter Students
Schedule-aware matching that overcomes the geographic barriers to campus friendship
Research Foundation
- U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Connection and Community (2023)
- ACHA-NCHA National College Health Assessment (2024)
- Lumina Foundation-Gallup State of Higher Education Study (2025)
- National Student Clearinghouse Research Center: Persistence & Retention (2024)
- Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice
Learn how Kenektic deploys on your campus in weeks.
Implementation