There are key times throughout the academic year when there is more disposal income on campus among college students. Marketers who best understand these key times are much likelier to maximize ROI.

One of the most overlooked aspects of college marketing is when will most students have the most money to spend while they are physically on campus. Many companies are fixated on messaging, advertising mediums, and tracking that they miss out on timing. Here are a few key times to keep in mind when planning a campaign that will allow you to move the needle where other companies will be missing out.

• Back to School:  Students arriving on campus fresh from that summer job will have the most money to spend than any other time during the academic year. With their parents on campus for orientation and move-in, there will be no better time during the year to get your message out.
• Post-Thanksgiving Break: This is a frequently overlooked time frame, after Thanksgiving Break to before final exams begin in early December. Students returning from home after spending time with family are much more likely to leave with some extra cash to spend before Finals begin.
• Commencement/Graduation: Usually a celebratory time, once again parents are on campus and students are receiving graduation presents in the form of money in some cases. Local restaurants, retail outlets, etc… are prime for getting redemption offers in the hands of parents and recent grads.

By looking a little closer at the timing of the college landscape and working with a partner who understands these ‘ins and outs’, marketer can strategically time campaigns to coincide when students will have money to spend. This extras disposal income can really move the needle and set your ROI above the rest.