- Facebook ads allow educational institutions to reach a highly targeted audience while keeping costs lower than traditional advertising methods.
- Lead ads streamline the enrollment process by allowing prospective students to submit information without leaving the platform.
- Video ads are highly engaging and can showcase campus life, student testimonials, and academic programs in a compelling way.
- Carousel ads enable institutions to highlight multiple aspects of their programs, facilities, or student success stories within a single ad.
- Successful education ads use clear and compelling calls to action to encourage sign-ups, applications, or further exploration.
- Continuous optimization and audience targeting are crucial for improving ad performance and ensuring better conversion rates.
Are you an education provider looking to reach more prospective students and grow your institution's online presence? If so, Facebook ads can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your marketing goals and increase enrollment rates.
With over 3.07 billion monthly active users, Facebook offers an extensive reach to a large, diverse audience. You can tap into this vast user base to connect with potential students most likely to be interested in your programs.
One key advantage of Facebook ads for education is the ability to create highly targeted campaigns. The platform's precise targeting options allow you to reach the right people at the right time, maximizing the impact of your ad spend.
However, if you’re having trouble finding inspiration to create your Facebook ads for education,
you’re in the right place. Today, we will cover some of the best examples of Facebook ads for education so you can grasp what it takes to make these ads stand out.
Keep reading to see how to create Facebook ads for higher education that resonate with your audience and drive those signups. Let’s start by discussing why Facebook is an excellent platform for educational ads.
Why use Facebook ads for education?
Facebook ads provide a cost-effective way to reach a large, targeted audience. Compared to traditional advertising methods like print or television, Facebook ads offer affordability while delivering precision targeting.
The platform allows you to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring your marketing efforts are both strategic and efficient. Here’s why using Facebook ads for higher education can be highly beneficial for your institution:
Targeting the right audience
One of Facebook ads' biggest advantages is the ability to tailor campaigns to different stages of the student journey.
Whether building brand awareness, nurturing leads, or encouraging applications, Facebook's advanced targeting options enable you to connect with the right prospects.
With Facebook’s detailed targeting, you can refine your audience based on location, age, gender, interests, and even life events.
For example, suppose you’re promoting an online degree program. In that case, you can direct your ads toward users who have expressed interest in related subjects, live in specific regions, and fall within the ideal age range for enrollment.
This ensures that your budget is allocated toward the most relevant audience, maximizing your return on investment.
Streamlining lead generation and enrollment
Facebook ads also serve as an effective tool for generating and capturing leads. With features like lead ads, prospective students can submit their information directly within the Facebook platform without being redirected elsewhere.
This frictionless process simplifies inquiries, resulting in higher conversion rates and a more efficient enrollment funnel.
Using Facebook’s targeted advertising capabilities, educational institutions can efficiently reach the right audience, boost engagement, and drive enrollment.
Enhancing brand awareness and credibility
Beyond lead generation, Facebook ads help establish your institution as a thought leader in the education sector.
Creating engaging content that highlights your institution’s strengths, unique programs, and success stories can attract potential students while fostering a positive perception of your brand.
Consistently showcasing valuable information builds credibility and positions your institution as a top choice for prospective students.
Whether your goal is to build awareness, capture leads, or increase applications, Facebook ads offer a flexible and data-driven approach to digital marketing.
The MyDegree.com dynamic Facebook ad shown below is highly effective for generating leads and encouraging healthcare program enrollment.
The opening question, “Have you been thinking about a healthcare degree?”, immediately engages potential students by addressing a common consideration. This personal approach makes the ad feel relevant and encourages users to take action.
The call to action is simple yet compelling. Instead of asking users to commit to a program immediately, the ad invites them to take a quick quiz.
This lowers the barrier to entry, making it easy for potential students to engage without feeling pressured. The ad also creates an interactive experience by offering a quiz, increasing the likelihood that users will provide their information.
Moreover, the ad reinforces value by highlighting accredited programs and the opportunity to gain additional skills. The ad creates trust with professional healthcare imagery and a bold CTA button while motivating users to explore their educational options.
Use Foreplay’s Discovery tool to find more great Facebook ad examples like this.
Let’s move on and look at the different types of Facebook ads for education.
Types of Facebook ads for education
Facebook offers several ad types that educational institutions can use to engage their target audience and achieve their digital marketing objectives. These include lead, video, and carousel ads.
Image lead ads
Lead ads are designed to capture student information without requiring them to leave the Facebook platform.
These ads come with pre-filled forms, making it easy for prospective students to submit their details. The simplicity and convenience of lead ads often result in higher conversion rates than traditional landing pages.
You can use lead ads to collect contact information, gauge interest in specific programs, or encourage sign-ups for events like open houses or webinars. Once a user submits the form, you can follow up with more information and nurture them through enrollment.
The MyDegree.com ad seen below is highly effective for lead generation because it combines an engaging design with a clear and compelling call to action. The "Take the Quiz" button encourages user interaction by making the next step simple and commitment-free.
Since the quiz leads to a form within Facebook, users can quickly submit their information without leaving the platform, reducing friction in the lead capture process.
The ad’s text speaks directly to potential students, prompting them to consider their options in the healthcare field. The vibrant imagery, featuring a smiling nursing student, conveys confidence and professionalism, making the opportunity feel more aspirational.
Also, the personalized approach, which includes helping users "match" with the right program, makes the ad feel tailored to individual needs.
By utilizing interactive engagement, seamless lead capture, and a visually appealing design, this ad effectively drives inquiries and encourages more students to explore healthcare education programs.
Video ads
Video ads are highly engaging and allow you to showcase various aspects of your institution compellingly. You can use video ads to highlight your campus experience, feature student testimonials, or provide an overview of your academic programs.
With the ability to convey a lot of information quickly, video ads can help you capture the attention of potential students and give them a glimpse into what makes your institution unique.
According to Facebook, people are 1.5 times more likely to watch video content on a smartphone than on a computer, making video ads particularly effective for reaching mobile users.
The ad below for the University of Jamestown is an excellent example, as it addresses the top three reasons to join this educational institution: online schools are more cost-effective, you can create your own schedule and finish programs faster, and small class sizes mean more attention for individual students.
It ends with a simple call to action: “Click the link below and check out UJ Accelerated.” This encourages potential students to explore the programs and sign up.
The video uses bright and fast-paced visuals combined with high-tempo music, making the ad feel very fast-paced. This complements the statement that this online school makes getting your degree much faster and easier.
Carousel ads
Carousel ads allow you to display multiple images or videos within a single ad, each with its own link. This format is perfect for highlighting different aspects of your institution, such as specific programs, campus facilities, or student success stories.
The interactive nature of carousel ads encourages users to swipe through and engage with your content. You can use this format to showcase your offerings' breadth or tell a story that unfolds across multiple frames.
Carousel ads are also an effective way to retarget users who have previously shown interest in your institution. You can guide them further down the enrollment funnel by presenting them with relevant information and a clear call to action.
This Point Blank Music School carousel ad is highly effective for education marketing, particularly for generating interest and driving applications.
The carousel format allows multiple engaging visuals to showcase different aspects of the school, from industry expert lecturers and state-of-the-art facilities to real-world music production settings. This variety ensures that prospective students see the full value of enrolling.
The bold call to action, “Apply Now,” creates urgency, while the text, “Step Inside the Music Industry,” appeals directly to aspiring musicians and producers. Including “Find out more about our degree courses and apply direct now for clearing” removes uncertainty and encourages immediate action.
Visually, the ad features real students and professionals, making it relatable and aspirational. The mix of performance, production, and classroom settings reinforces the school’s hands-on learning approach.
By combining compelling imagery, a clear CTA, and multiple touchpoints in one ad, this campaign effectively attracts and engages potential applicants, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Now that we’ve examined examples of the best types of Facebook ads for education, let’s examine some educational institution ads for specific schools and programs.
Three examples of Facebook ads for education
Below are three Facebook ads for higher education institutions. Let’s examine them in detail to see how they effectively convey their messages.
UC, Berkeley
This Facebook ad is an excellent example of effective marketing because it combines emotional appeal, strong visuals, and a clear call to action to inspire engagement.
The tagline, “Apply today. Change the world tomorrow,” is bold and aspirational, appealing to individuals who want to make a meaningful impact through education.
It immediately draws attention by connecting the act of applying to the possibility of transformative outcomes, making the message about the program and the individual’s potential future.
The imagery plays a key role in the ad’s effectiveness. The ad capitalizes on the institution’s prestige and credibility by featuring the iconic Berkeley Haas tower.
The landmark is a visual anchor, fostering trust and familiarity, especially among alumni, locals, and those who value renowned educational brands. This image conveys a sense of tradition and excellence, strengthening the overall message.
Another noteworthy aspect of this ad is its emphasis on flexibility. By highlighting various MBA formats, such as full-time, evening, weekend, flex, and executive, the ad communicates that the program is designed to accommodate different lifestyles and schedules.
This inclusivity ensures the ad resonates with a broader audience, including working professionals and non-traditional students seeking to balance education with other responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne
This ad from the University of Melbourne is a powerful example of how to effectively address prospective students' and their families' emotional and practical needs.
The focus on helping “your teen take their next steps to Melbourne with confidence” appeals directly to parents, key decision-makers in this process. The message positions the university as a supportive partner, ready to guide families through the complexities of higher education.
The imagery reinforces this message by showcasing a welcoming campus environment framed by lush greenery and a “Welcome” banner. Including the word “Wominjeka,” an Indigenous Australian greeting, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and cultural respect, further enhancing the university’s appeal as a progressive and welcoming institution.
This visual element immediately conveys a sense of belonging and community, essential qualities for prospective students and their parents.
The call to action, framed as a question, “Is your teen ready to join Melbourne in 2025?” creates urgency while remaining conversational and supportive.
It leads perfectly to the promise of “tailored support and resources,” addressing common concerns about admissions, scholarships, and accommodations. The ad directly tackles potential barriers and builds trust by highlighting these resources.
Southern New Hampshire University
This ad from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) illustrates how to effectively market online education programs with a strong focus on flexibility and career relevance.
The headline, “Earn an online degree on your terms,” immediately addresses the primary concern of many prospective students: how to fit education into their busy lives.
The promise of “200+ program options, no set class times, and 24/7 access to coursework” further underscores the university’s commitment to adaptability and accessibility, a significant selling point for online learners.
The ad's visual element is particularly effective. Featuring a graduate in a cap and gown holding their diploma emphasizes the program's tangible outcomes: graduation and success.
This visual serves as a powerful motivator for viewers by showing what’s achievable. The smiling graduate conveys a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, appealing to individuals who aspire to improve their lives through education.
The text overlay, highlighting phrases such as “Accredited Institution,” “Career-Focused Classes,” and “Experienced Faculty,” reassures prospective students about the program’s quality.
It directly addresses key decision factors like credibility, relevance, and the expertise of educators, which are critical for anyone considering an online degree. These elements combine to position SNHU as a trustworthy and practical choice for furthering education.
The call to action at the bottom, “Terms Start Every 2 Months. Apply Today,” creates a sense of immediacy and accessibility, eliminating the fear of missing out or having to wait long periods to begin.
This sense of urgency, combined with the ad’s overall focus on flexibility, ensures the message resonates with busy individuals who want to start their educational journey sooner rather than later.
With so many great examples of educational institution Facebook ads covered, let’s discuss some best practices for creating the most effective ads possible.
Best practices for running Facebook ads for education
Running effective Facebook ads for education requires a strategic approach that ensures your message reaches the right audience at the right time.
You can maximize your ad performance and drive better results by setting clear objectives, using automation, refining audience targeting, and continuously optimizing your campaigns.
Set clear goals
Before launching a Facebook ads campaign, define what you are promoting, your target audience, and where they are in the admissions process.
Are you raising awareness, generating leads, or driving applications? Understanding your audience’s concerns and motivations helps you craft compelling ad content and select the right bidding strategy to achieve your goals.
Implement automation for efficiency
Integrating Facebook ads with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, or lead management tools allows you to automatically streamline follow-ups and nurture leads.
Automated responses, such as email sequences or retargeting ads, ensure potential students stay engaged.
Properly setting up your campaign, including defining the campaign objective, structuring ad sets, and selecting specific targeting options, lays the foundation for successful automation and conversion tracking.
Target the right users
Facebook's advanced targeting options enable you to reach highly specific audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and engagement history.
Custom audiences allow you to retarget individuals who have interacted with your website or previous campaigns, keeping your institution top-of-mind.
Meanwhile, lookalike audiences help expand your reach by identifying new prospects who share characteristics with your current students or leads, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Monitor and optimize for better results
Consistently tracking your ad performance is key to improving results over time. Monitor metrics such as click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and cost per lead (CPL) to determine which ads resonate with your audience.
Running A/B tests on ad creatives, copy, and targeting parameters allows you to refine your approach and focus on what works best.
Moreover, adjusting your budget based on performance ensures that resources are allocated to the most successful campaigns. Facebook’s analytics tools provide valuable insights into user behavior, helping you continuously refine your targeting and messaging for optimal results.
As we mentioned targeting, let’s discuss how to specifically target students on Facebook so your ads reach the right people.
How to target students on Facebook Ads
Successfully targeting students on Facebook requires a strategic approach that aligns with their interests, behaviors, and demographics.
By defining a detailed target persona, leveraging Facebook’s advanced demographic and location targeting, and using interest-based segmentation, you can craft highly effective ad campaigns that drive engagement and conversions.
Here’s how to target students with your Facebook ads for educational institutions:
Define your target persona
Before launching a campaign, it’s essential to understand who your ideal students are and what motivates them. Consider their interests, hobbies, reading habits, and digital behavior to create a profile that helps guide your ad targeting.
For instance, if you're trying to attract high school students interested in environmental science, you might target those who engage with content related to sustainability, climate change, and conservation.
Furthermore, understanding their preferred social media platforms and online communities can help refine your messaging and ad placements, ensuring your content appears where they are most active.
Take advantage of demographic targeting
Facebook’s demographic targeting enables you to refine your audience based on age, gender, and language, ensuring your ads are displayed to the most relevant users.
When setting up your campaign, choose age ranges that align with your target student population. If your program is gender-specific, tailor your targeting accordingly.
Also, if you offer courses in a specific language, make sure to reach users who speak that language to maximize engagement and relevance.
Utilize location targeting
Location-based targeting is a powerful tool for reaching students based on their geographic preferences and study plans. You can refine your audience by country, city, region, or even postal code to ensure your ads reach the right students.
For example, if you're promoting an on-campus event or open house, you may want to target students within a specific radius of your institution to boost attendance.
On the other hand, if you’re marketing an online program, broadening your location settings can help you attract a wider audience from multiple regions.
Incorporate interest-based targeting
Facebook’s interest-based targeting allows you to reach students based on their expressed interests, online interactions, and past engagement with similar content. This includes pages they’ve liked, apps they’ve used, and posts they’ve interacted with.
Align your targeting criteria with the academic and career interests of your prospective students to create a strong campaign.
For instance, if you're promoting a business degree, you might focus on users interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or marketing. Similarly, if students have interacted with your school’s Facebook page or content related to your field of study, retargeting them ensures your ad stays top of mind.
Refine targeting with audience insights
For a more data-driven approach, utilize Facebook’s Audience Insights tool to analyze key information about your target audience. This tool provides demographic details, page likes, and behavioral insights, helping you fine-tune your ad strategy.
Furthermore, the Facebook Ad Library is valuable for researching successful education campaigns. By studying how other institutions structure their ads, focusing on messaging, creative elements, and targeting, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration to optimize your campaigns.
By combining persona-driven targeting, demographic filters, and behavioral insights, your Facebook ad strategy can effectively reach and engage prospective students, ultimately driving higher conversion rates and stronger enrollment outcomes.
If you’re having trouble creating effective ads for education, use Foreplay’s Spyder tool to spy on the competition and see what they’re doing and how you can do it better.
Conclusion
Facebook ads for education are a game-changer for reaching and engaging prospective students.
With billions of users scrolling daily, the platform provides a unique opportunity for institutions to connect with their ideal audience through strategic targeting, compelling visuals, and interactive formats.
Whether your goal is to build brand awareness, generate leads, or increase enrollments, Facebook's diverse ad formats, such as lead ads, video ads, and carousel ads, offer endless possibilities to craft a campaign that truly resonates.
The best Facebook ads for education speak directly to students’ aspirations, simplify the decision-making process, and make engagement seamless. From UC Berkeley’s aspirational messaging to Southern New Hampshire University’s emphasis on flexibility, each example highlights the importance of tailoring ads to different student needs.
Ultimately, the key to running effective Facebook ads for education lies in continuous testing, optimization, and refinement.
Institutions can create impactful campaigns that drive real results by taking advantage of Facebook’s targeting tools, monitoring key performance metrics, and iterating on successful strategies.
Use Foreplay to take your Facebook ad campaigns to the next level.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure the success of my Facebook education ads?
To measure success, track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, cost per lead (CPL), and engagement metrics. Facebook Ads Manager provides insights into ad performance, helping you optimize campaigns based on real-time data.
What is the best budget for running Facebook ads for education?
The ideal budget depends on your institution’s goals, audience size, and competition. Start with a test budget, monitor results, and scale up based on performance. Running A/B tests on ad creatives and targeting strategies can help determine the most cost-effective approach.
How can I make my Facebook education ads stand out?
Use high-quality visuals, concise and persuasive copy, and strong calls to action. Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes or videos to increase engagement. Additionally, highlight unique aspects of your institution, such as flexible learning options, scholarships, or career success stories.
Are Facebook ads more effective for online programs or in-person courses?
Facebook ads work well for both, but online programs benefit significantly due to broader geographic targeting. For in-person courses, location-based targeting can help reach students in specific regions who may be interested in campus visits or open houses.
What type of call to action works best for education ads?
CTAs like "Apply Now," "Take the Quiz," "Request Info," and "Find Your Program" tend to perform well. The key is to make the next step easy and low-commitment, encouraging potential students to engage without feeling pressured.
How often should I update my Facebook education ads?
Regular updates keep your campaigns fresh and relevant. Rotate ad creatives every few weeks, introduce seasonal campaigns (e.g., enrollment deadlines), and adjust targeting based on engagement trends to maintain ad performance.
