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Generated Oct 21, 2026
  1. Programmable
  2. Playbooks
  3. Computer Systems Institute
Computer Systems Institute logo

growth playbook · Oct 21, 2026

csinow.com (opens in a new tab)

Computer Systems Institute growth playbook

Diagnosis

CSI is a long-running career school with six campuses, clear published tuition, degree pathways with two universities, and a hiring wave of more than 20 instructors plus program leads and student affairs advisors focused on retention.

The site works against it: #WhyCSI quotes $1,250 a quarter while the tuition table says $1,400, the Hybrid page still announces a January 2025 start, start dates are only in downloads, and real visitors wait 4.2 seconds for a 12 MB homepage.

This playbook fixes price and start dates, speed and inquiry follow-up, the partners page and agency kit, and uses the advisors' calls for referrals; then it adds outcomes pages, early-warning retention, new-faculty profiles, an employer network, video, a local adult audience, campus profiles, translated pages and a focused blog; and it bets on hybrid growth, an ESL-to-degree ladder and employer-sponsored cohorts.

Growth Score

5/10

Biggest Opportunity

Turn the site into a clear answer to "how much and when can I start?" and back it with outcomes, while the new instructors and advisors raise retention and referrals.

Biggest Risk

International enrolment depends on rules and agencies outside CSI's control; a broader local and hybrid audience spreads that risk.

01

Start here

The three moves to make first. Each one is written up in full below.

  1. 1

    One price and one next start date on every page: #WhyCSI says $1,250 a quarter, the tuition page says $1,400

    Search the site for "$1,250", "2025" and "Computer Services" and fix each hit.

    High impact First result in 1 month
  2. 2

    Cut the 12 MB homepage so phones load it in under 2.5 seconds

    Resize the five largest homepage images.

    High impact First result in 1 month
  3. 3

    Answer inquiries in minutes and fix the form's accessibility gaps

    Measure today's average time from inquiry to first contact.

    High impact First result in 1 month

02

Your idea portfolio

22 ideas, grouped by when to run them. Open any idea for how to run it: the steps, who to approach, copy you can use, and how to measure it.

  • 6 ideas are marked Unexpected: plays you are unlikely to have tried.

Every idea placed by the effort it takes against the impact it could have. Quick wins sit top left; select a number to open that idea. The filters below narrow the list by status, timing, category and what Programmable can build.

Effort vs impactEach number is an idea. Select one to open it.
Impact →
Quick wins · 3Big bets · 8Fill-ins · 8Reconsider · 3
Effort →

Showing 22 of 22 ideas

This week 6

Quick wins with a clear first action.

  • 01

    The inquiry form on every page asks "How much is tuition? When can I start?", but the site gives different answers. #WhyCSI says the "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter", while the Winter 2027 tuition table shows $1,400 in Illinois and $1,600 in Massachusetts. The Hybrid page, updated in September 2026, still announces "new hybrid programs starting January 6, 2025" and calls the school "Computer Services Institute". The Medical Assisting row is labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table, and start dates live only in downloadable calendars. Prospective students and the agencies who send them compare these pages, and a price that rises between two pages costs trust right when they are deciding.

    High impactLow effort First result in 1 month VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Search the site for "$1,250", "2025" and "Computer Services" and fix each hit.

    How to measure it

    Inquiry-to-application rate

    Now
    –
    Target
    +15%
    By
    90 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Find mismatches

      Search pages and PDFs for old prices, dates and the wrong name.

      Web Developer 1 day

    2. 2

      Fix #WhyCSI

      Current lowest tuition by state.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 hour

    3. 3

      Fix Hybrid page

      Current start date and the right name.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 hour

    4. 4

      Fix the table

      Labels and the Communication row.

      Admissions Representative 1 hour

    5. 5

      Build a start-date table

      Next start per program and campus.

      Academic Dean 1 day

    6. 6

      Show it

      A "Next start · Tuition" line on every program, campus and agency page.

      Web Developer 3 days

    7. 7

      Update each quarter

      One change when new rates are set.

      Admissions Representative quarterly

    8. 8

      Measure

      Applications per inquiry.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Correct the #WhyCSI price and the Hybrid page date today.

    Why it works

    Make the tuition table the single source: update #WhyCSI to the current "from $1,400 a quarter in Illinois" (or the real lowest price), fix the Hybrid page date and name, correct the "Fall Tuition" label and the Communication row. Then add a "Next start: [date] · Tuition: $X a quarter" line to every program and campus page and the agency page, fed from one table so it changes in one place each quarter.

    Consistent price and a visible start date answer the two questions the form asks, so more visitors apply instead of waiting for a call, and admissions spends less time correcting numbers.

    Ready to use

    ChecklistPrice and start-date consistency

    [ ] #WhyCSI tuition matches Winter 2027 table
[ ] Hybrid page: current start date, "Computer Systems Institute"
[ ] "Fall Tuition" label fixed in the Winter table
[ ] Communication listed for the right state
[ ] Next start date on all program pages
[ ] Next start date on all six campus pages
[ ] Agency page shows the same numbers
[ ] Quarterly update owner named

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Prices differ by campus and program

      Show "from" prices with a link to the full table.

    • Stale start dates again

      Put the table update on the quarterly rate-setting checklist.

    Evidence

    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source
    • Your websiteHybrid Programs page (updated September 2026): "Computer Services Institute (CSI) is excited to offer new hybrid programs starting January 6, 2025"; "No change in tuition or content, just more flexible choices"; available to international students in the US with CPT/OPT opportunities.Source
    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websitecsinow.com redirects to www.csinow.edu. Homepage: career training programs in business, healthcare, information technology and English as a Second Language; support for Curricular and Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) for international students; six campuses (Boston/Allston, Charlestown and Worcester in Massachusetts; Chicago, Lombard and Skokie in Illinois); an inquiry form headed "How much is tuition? When can I start?" with a Promo Code field.Source
  • 02

    Real Chrome visitors wait 4.2 seconds for the main homepage image and 1.9 seconds for the server to answer; the page weighs 12,188 KiB and PageSpeed's mobile score is 31. Many prospective international students browse on phones, sometimes on slow connections abroad.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 month Web Developer

    First action

    Resize the five largest homepage images.

    How to measure it

    Largest paint p75 on mobile

    Now
    –
    Target
    under 2.5 s
    By
    60 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Find heavy files

      PageSpeed and a page-weight check.

      Web Developer 1 hour

    2. 2

      Compress images

      WebP at display size.

      Web Developer 1 day

    3. 3

      Lazy-load

      Below-the-fold images and video.

      Web Developer 1 day

    4. 4

      Caching and CDN

      Cut server response time.

      Web Developer 2 days

    5. 5

      Trim theme

      Unused Avada elements.

      Web Developer 2 days

    6. 6

      Retest

      Homepage and top program pages.

      Web Developer 1 hour

    7. 7

      Monitor

      Chrome UX data monthly.

      Web Developer monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    CDN or caching plugin
    Owner
    Web Developer

    Smallest test

    Compress the hero image and retest.

    Why it works

    Compress and resize the hero and testimonial images (WebP), lazy-load everything below the fold, add page caching and a CDN to cut the 1.9 s server time, and remove unused Avada features. Retest the homepage and the top five program pages.

    Faster pages keep more visitors to the form, and speed is part of how Google ranks pages.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Layout breaks

      Test on a staging copy.

    Evidence

    • Google PageSpeedPageSpeed (mobile, October 20, 2026): performance 31, lab largest paint 39.8 s, page weight 12,188 KiB. Real Chrome visitors fail Core Web Vitals: largest paint 4.2 s at the 75th percentile, time to first byte 1.9 s, interaction 201 ms. Accessibility 80: form fields and selects without labels, small tap targets, links without names.Source
    • Your websitecsinow.com redirects to www.csinow.edu. Homepage: career training programs in business, healthcare, information technology and English as a Second Language; support for Curricular and Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) for international students; six campuses (Boston/Allston, Charlestown and Worcester in Massachusetts; Chicago, Lombard and Skokie in Illinois); an inquiry form headed "How much is tuition? When can I start?" with a Promo Code field.Source
  • 03

    The site-wide form collects program, campus, status and phone, but PageSpeed reports fields and selects without labels and tap targets that are too small. Prospective students usually contact several schools; the first to reply often wins.

    High impactLow effort First result in 1 month Admissions Representative

    First action

    Measure today's average time from inquiry to first contact.

    How to measure it

    Inquiries contacted within 15 minutes

    Now
    –
    Target
    80%
    By
    60 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Measure speed

      Current response times.

      Admissions Representative 1 day

    2. 2

      Fix labels

      All fields and selects.

      Web Developer 1 day

    3. 3

      Thank-you page

      Tuition and next start.

      Web Developer 1 day

    4. 4

      Routing

      By campus and status.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 2 days

    5. 5

      Text follow-up

      For missed calls.

      Admissions Representative 1 day

    6. 6

      Track

      Applications by response time.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions weekly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Admissions Representative

    Smallest test

    Call every inquiry within 15 minutes for one week and compare.

    Why it works

    Label every field, enlarge tap targets, and after submit show the program's tuition and next start date at once. Route each inquiry to an admissions representative by campus and status (abroad, transfer, change of status) with a call or text within 15 minutes in office hours.

    Speed to lead is the strongest lever on enrolment conversion, and labels help both screen readers and form completion.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • After-hours inquiries

      Send an instant text and call next morning.

    Evidence

    • Google PageSpeedPageSpeed (mobile, October 20, 2026): performance 31, lab largest paint 39.8 s, page weight 12,188 KiB. Real Chrome visitors fail Core Web Vitals: largest paint 4.2 s at the 75th percentile, time to first byte 1.9 s, interaction 201 ms. Accessibility 80: form fields and selects without labels, small tap targets, links without names.Source
    • Your websitecsinow.com redirects to www.csinow.edu. Homepage: career training programs in business, healthcare, information technology and English as a Second Language; support for Curricular and Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) for international students; six campuses (Boston/Allston, Charlestown and Worcester in Massachusetts; Chicago, Lombard and Skokie in Illinois); an inquiry form headed "How much is tuition? When can I start?" with a Promo Code field.Source
    • Your websiteAgency page: "Marketing Material and Resources for Educational Agencies": an agency manual, program, schedule, tuition, hybrid and calendar links, and document checklists for transfer, change of status, applying from abroad and reinstatement, with agency questions sent to the VP of Marketing and Admissions.Source
  • 04

    The Partners page, last updated in 2022, lists only Indiana Wesleyan University, while a separate post announces Walden University transfer pathways into Elementary Education, Nursing and Business Administration. Students looking for a route to a degree find half the story.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 2 weeks VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    List which programs map to which degrees.

    How to measure it

    Pathways page visits

    Now
    –
    Target
    500 a month
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      Map pathways

      Programs to degrees.

      Academic Dean 2 days

    2. 2

      Update Partners

      Both universities.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    3. 3

      Link

      From program pages.

      Web Developer 2 hours

    4. 4

      Brief admissions

      Talking points.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 hour

    5. 5

      Add to agency kit

      Pathways one-pager.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    6. 6

      Measure

      Visits and inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    2 weeks
    Cost
    $0
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Add the Walden section to the Partners page today.

    Why it works

    Update Partners with both universities, which CSI programs lead to which degrees, and how credits transfer; link it from every program page and the #WhyCSI page as "From certificate to degree".

    A visible path to a bachelor's degree is a reason to choose CSI over a stand-alone certificate school.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Overpromising credit transfer

      Quote only what the agreements say.

    Evidence

    • Your websitePartners page (last updated May 2022) lists only Indiana Wesleyan University. A separate blog post announces a partnership with Walden University with transfer pathways into the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Nursing and Bachelor of Business Administration.Source
    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
  • 05

    CSI keeps an agency page with a manual and document checklists for agencies that send international students. Agencies quote prices and start dates to families, so the kit has to be current and easy to forward.

    High impactLow effort First result in 1 month VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    List agencies that sent a student in the last year.

    How to measure it

    Agency-sourced applications

    Now
    –
    Target
    +20%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      List agencies

      Active in the last year.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    2. 2

      Build the one-pager

      Prices, dates, pathways.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 week

    3. 3

      Publish

      On the agency page.

      Web Developer 1 day

    4. 4

      Email

      With call slots.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    5. 5

      Hold calls

      Answer questions.

      Admissions Representative 2 weeks

    6. 6

      Repeat

      Each quarter.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions quarterly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Send the current prices and start dates to the top ten agencies.

    Why it works

    Publish a one-page PDF and web page each quarter: programs by campus, tuition, next start dates, hybrid options, CPT/OPT summary, degree pathways and document checklists. Email it to every active agency with a short call slot to answer questions.

    Agencies send students to schools that make their job easy; a fresh kit each quarter keeps CSI at the top of their list.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Agencies misquote

      Date the kit and link to the live table.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteAgency page: "Marketing Material and Resources for Educational Agencies": an agency manual, program, schedule, tuition, hybrid and calendar links, and document checklists for transfer, change of status, applying from abroad and reinstatement, with agency questions sent to the VP of Marketing and Admissions.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source
    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websitePartners page (last updated May 2022) lists only Indiana Wesleyan University. A separate blog post announces a partnership with Walden University with transfer pathways into the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Nursing and Bachelor of Business Administration.Source
  • 06

    CSI pays $100 per referred friend who enrols, until January 23, 2027, plus an iPad draw. The new Student Affairs Advisors will make "outbound calls to remind students of upcoming deadlines". Current students are the most trusted voice to friends at home and in the US.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 month Student Affairs Advisor

    First action

    Add the referral line to this week's call script.

    How to measure it

    Referred enrolments

    Now
    –
    Target
    +30%
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      Script line

      One sentence and link.

      Student Affairs Advisor 1 hour

    2. 2

      Hub link

      Student success hub.

      Web Developer 1 hour

    3. 3

      Term emails

      Referral reminder.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    4. 4

      Text

      After grade reports.

      Student Affairs Advisor quarterly

    5. 5

      Pay fast

      Within two weeks.

      Business Office ongoing

    6. 6

      Track

      Referrals by source.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Referral payouts
    Owner
    Student Affairs Advisor

    Smallest test

    Send the referral text to one campus.

    Why it works

    Add one line about the referral to the advisors' call script, put the referral link in the student success hub and term-start emails, and send a text with the link to every student after their first good grade report.

    The calls already happen; adding the ask costs nothing and reaches every student.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Pressure on students

      Keep it one line and optional.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteRefer a Friend: "$100 Reward" paid by ACH once the referred person signs an enrolment agreement, for referrals received before January 23, 2027, open to new, current and former students, plus an iPad giveaway for referrals from July 26, 2026.Source
    • HiringAcademic Program Lead (Charlestown, posted October 1, 2026): oversight of "approximately 150+ students in assigned programs", working with deans "to ensure student academic successes and retention", advising on Satisfactory Academic Progress and organising field trips. Student Affairs Advisor/Admin Assistant (Chicago, October 15): "Makes outbound calls to remind students of upcoming deadlines", arranges "practicum opportunities", guides students on "attendance, work authorization and other related topics". Instructors "Organize and lead field outings for student enrichment once per module".Source

This quarter 9

The core plays for the next three months.

  • 07

    Program pages list certifications (CCMA, EKG, CMAA, CompTIA) and a student story reports students passing the clinical medical assistant exam, but no page gathers results per program. Prospective students and agencies compare schools on outcomes.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Academic Dean

    First action

    Collect certification results for the last four quarters.

    How to measure it

    Program page to inquiry

    Now
    –
    Target
    +15%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Gather data

      Pass counts and externships.

      Academic Dean 1 month

    2. 2

      Check rules

      Review claims for state and accreditor rules.

      CEO 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Collect stories

      Graduates with permission.

      Career Services Coordinator 1 month

    4. 4

      Write pages

      One per program.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Publish

      Linked from program pages.

      Web Developer 1 week

    6. 6

      Update

      Yearly.

      Academic Dean yearly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Academic Dean

    Smallest test

    Publish the Medical Assisting results first.

    Why it works

    For each program, publish certification pass counts, externship sites, and graduate roles (with permission), using the same data as the Illinois disclosure table. Update each year.

    Outcomes are the strongest proof for career training, and few rivals show them clearly.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Small numbers look weak

      Show counts with time periods.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websiteConsumer Info page: academic catalogs for Illinois and Massachusetts and "The Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act Institutional Disclosure Table (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025)". Career Development page: five areas (career plan, credentials, critical skills, soft skills, job search). CSI announced accreditation by MSA-CESS (Middle States Association) for postsecondary non-degree career and technology programs.Source
    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
  • 08

    The Program Lead post covers about 150+ students and retention, and advisors monitor attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress. For F-1 students, attendance and progress also affect status, so early contact matters.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Academic Program Lead

    First action

    Pull last quarter's attendance data and set the trigger.

    How to measure it

    Retention rate

    Now
    –
    Target
    +5 points
    By
    3 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Set triggers

      Absences and grades.

      Academic Dean 1 week

    2. 2

      Build list

      Weekly report.

      Registrar 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Assign

      Program Leads and advisors.

      Academic Program Lead 1 week

    4. 4

      Call

      Within 48 hours.

      Student Affairs Advisor weekly

    5. 5

      Offer help

      Tutoring.

      Academic Program Lead ongoing

    6. 6

      Review

      Retention by program.

      Academic Dean quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Academic Program Lead

    Smallest test

    Run the list for one campus.

    Why it works

    Build a weekly list from attendance and grades: students with two absences or a failing assignment. Program Leads and advisors call within 48 hours, log the reason, and offer tutoring (CSI offers free individual tutoring).

    Retained students complete, refer friends and protect the school's outcomes.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Too many alerts

      Start with the strongest signals.

    Evidence

    • HiringAcademic Program Lead (Charlestown, posted October 1, 2026): oversight of "approximately 150+ students in assigned programs", working with deans "to ensure student academic successes and retention", advising on Satisfactory Academic Progress and organising field trips. Student Affairs Advisor/Admin Assistant (Chicago, October 15): "Makes outbound calls to remind students of upcoming deadlines", arranges "practicum opportunities", guides students on "attendance, work authorization and other related topics". Instructors "Organize and lead field outings for student enrichment once per module".Source
    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
    • Hiring27 open posts on CSI's ADP careers site, posted September 4 to October 16, 2026: instructors for Business Finance, Marketing, Hospitality, Digital Multimedia, Organizational Administration, Customer Service, Communication, ESL Intensive, Healthcare Billing & Coding, Healthcare Clinical and Web Application Development across all six campuses, plus a Curriculum Coordinator, two Student Affairs Advisors and an Academic Program Lead.Source
  • 09

    CSI is hiring more than 20 instructors across finance, marketing, hospitality, multimedia, healthcare and web development. The Meet the Faculty page is the place prospective students judge teaching quality.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter Academic Program Lead

    First action

    Write a profile template.

    How to measure it

    Faculty profiles published

    Now
    –
    Target
    20
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Template

      Background and course.

      Academic Program Lead 1 day

    2. 2

      Collect

      From new hires.

      Academic Program Lead ongoing

    3. 3

      Photos

      At each campus.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 month

    4. 4

      Videos

      Short clips.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Publish

      Faculty and program pages.

      Web Developer ongoing

    6. 6

      Measure

      Visits.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Academic Program Lead

    Smallest test

    Publish three profiles.

    Why it works

    Add a short profile for each new instructor (industry background, a photo, one course) and a 60-second video for the YouTube channel. Use them in program pages and agency kits.

    Faculty from industry are a concrete reason to choose a career school.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Instructor turnover

      Update when staff change.

    Evidence

    • Hiring27 open posts on CSI's ADP careers site, posted September 4 to October 16, 2026: instructors for Business Finance, Marketing, Hospitality, Digital Multimedia, Organizational Administration, Customer Service, Communication, ESL Intensive, Healthcare Billing & Coding, Healthcare Clinical and Web Application Development across all six campuses, plus a Curriculum Coordinator, two Student Affairs Advisors and an Academic Program Lead.Source
    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
  • 10

    Externships, practicums and field outings once per module are built into CSI programs, and the blog covers OPT jobs in Chicago. Employers who host externs often hire graduates.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 2 quarters Career Services Coordinator

    First action

    List employers that hosted externs last year.

    How to measure it

    Active employers

    Now
    –
    Target
    60
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      List employers

      Past hosts.

      Career Services Coordinator 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Ask permission

      To list.

      Career Services Coordinator 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Build page

      Employers and invite.

      Web Developer 1 week

    4. 4

      Events

      One per campus per term.

      Career Services Coordinator quarterly

    5. 5

      Field outings

      To employer sites.

      Academic Program Lead per module

    6. 6

      Measure

      Placements.

      Career Services Coordinator quarterly

    First result
    2 quarters
    Cost
    Event costs
    Owner
    Career Services Coordinator

    Smallest test

    Invite five employers to a campus event.

    Why it works

    List employers who host externships or hire graduates (with permission), add an "Employers: host an extern" page, and run one employer event per campus each term.

    A visible employer network raises trust and gives career services more placements.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Employers decline listing

      Use industry names instead.

    Evidence

    • HiringAcademic Program Lead (Charlestown, posted October 1, 2026): oversight of "approximately 150+ students in assigned programs", working with deans "to ensure student academic successes and retention", advising on Satisfactory Academic Progress and organising field trips. Student Affairs Advisor/Admin Assistant (Chicago, October 15): "Makes outbound calls to remind students of upcoming deadlines", arranges "practicum opportunities", guides students on "attendance, work authorization and other related topics". Instructors "Organize and lead field outings for student enrichment once per module".Source
    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
    • Your websiteConsumer Info page: academic catalogs for Illinois and Massachusetts and "The Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act Institutional Disclosure Table (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025)". Career Development page: five areas (career plan, credentials, critical skills, soft skills, job search). CSI announced accreditation by MSA-CESS (Middle States Association) for postsecondary non-degree career and technology programs.Source
  • 11

    The channel has 63 videos and 954,520 views but 876 subscribers, and the homepage invites visitors to a "Sneak Peek" of a program. Short class previews answer "what will I learn?"

    Medium impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Film the first preview.

    How to measure it

    Inquiries citing video

    Now
    –
    Target
    30 a month
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Plan

      Program list.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 week

    2. 2

      Film

      One per month.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    3. 3

      Edit

      Long and short.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    4. 4

      Publish

      YouTube and Instagram.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    5. 5

      Link

      Program pages.

      Web Developer monthly

    6. 6

      Measure

      Views and inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Video time
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Film one class preview.

    Why it works

    Film a five-minute class preview per program with the instructor, plus a one-minute version for Instagram; link each from the program page and the inquiry form.

    Video shows the classroom before a student commits and builds subscribers.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Low production quality

      Use phone video with good audio.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
    • Hiring27 open posts on CSI's ADP careers site, posted September 4 to October 16, 2026: instructors for Business Finance, Marketing, Hospitality, Digital Multimedia, Organizational Administration, Customer Service, Communication, ESL Intensive, Healthcare Billing & Coding, Healthcare Clinical and Web Application Development across all six campuses, plus a Curriculum Coordinator, two Student Affairs Advisors and an Academic Program Lead.Source
  • 12

    Most of the site speaks to international students, but Medical Assisting, Billing & Coding and Customer Service lead to local jobs, with classes 2-3 days a week and evening and weekend options. Working adults in Chicago and Boston are a separate audience.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 2 quarters VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Write one landing page for Medical Assisting.

    How to measure it

    Domestic enrolments

    Now
    –
    Target
    +25%
    By
    3 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Pick programs

      Local job fit.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 week

    2. 2

      Landing pages

      Schedules and cost.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Check funding

      Workforce training lists.

      Academic Dean 1 month

    4. 4

      Search ads

      Local terms.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Track

      Domestic inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    6. 6

      Review

      Cost per enrolment.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions quarterly

    First result
    2 quarters
    Cost
    Ad budget
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Run one local ad for two weeks.

    Why it works

    Build landing pages for local adults (schedules, cost, job outcomes) and check whether the programs can be listed for local workforce training funding. Advertise locally on search.

    A second audience spreads enrolment risk and fills evening and weekend classes.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Different needs

      Separate admissions scripts.

    Evidence

    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source
  • 13

    CSI has six campuses, each with its own address and phone. People search "career school near me" and see map results with reviews first.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 month Admissions Representative

    First action

    Check which campuses have a profile.

    How to measure it

    Profile actions

    Now
    –
    Target
    +50%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Audit

      Six campuses.

      Admissions Representative 1 day

    2. 2

      Complete

      Photos and links.

      Admissions Representative 1 week

    3. 3

      Review requests

      At graduation.

      Career Services Coordinator ongoing

    4. 4

      Reply

      To all reviews.

      Admissions Representative weekly

    5. 5

      Post

      Monthly updates.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    6. 6

      Measure

      Actions.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    $0
    Owner
    Admissions Representative

    Smallest test

    Complete one campus profile.

    Why it works

    Claim and complete a profile for each campus (photos, programs, hours, inquiry link), and ask graduates for a review at completion.

    Map results with reviews bring local inquiries at no cost.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Negative reviews

      Reply calmly and fix issues.

    Evidence

    • Your websitecsinow.com redirects to www.csinow.edu. Homepage: career training programs in business, healthcare, information technology and English as a Second Language; support for Curricular and Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) for international students; six campuses (Boston/Allston, Charlestown and Worcester in Massachusetts; Chicago, Lombard and Skokie in Illinois); an inquiry form headed "How much is tuition? When can I start?" with a Promo Code field.Source
    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
  • 14

    CSI says it has "Multilingual staff", and many applicants and the families who help pay read English as a second language. The whole site is English only.

    Medium impactMedium effort First result in 2 quarters VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Count applicants by first language.

    How to measure it

    Inquiries from translated pages

    Now
    –
    Target
    50 a month
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Find languages

      Admissions data.

      Admissions Representative 1 week

    2. 2

      Translate

      Core pages.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 month

    3. 3

      Review

      By staff speakers.

      Admissions Representative 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Publish

      With language links.

      Web Developer 1 week

    5. 5

      Route

      To speaking staff.

      Admissions Representative 1 day

    6. 6

      Measure

      Inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    2 quarters
    Cost
    Translation costs
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Translate the tuition page into one language.

    Why it works

    Pick the top three applicant languages from admissions data and translate the core pages (programs, tuition, next start, how to apply), with a contact for a speaker of that language.

    Families decide faster when they understand costs in their own language.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Out-of-date translations

      Translate only stable pages.

    Evidence

    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
    • Your websitecsinow.com redirects to www.csinow.edu. Homepage: career training programs in business, healthcare, information technology and English as a Second Language; support for Curricular and Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) for international students; six campuses (Boston/Allston, Charlestown and Worcester in Massachusetts; Chicago, Lombard and Skokie in Illinois); an inquiry form headed "How much is tuition? When can I start?" with a Promo Code field.Source
    • Your websiteAgency page: "Marketing Material and Resources for Educational Agencies": an agency manual, program, schedule, tuition, hybrid and calendar links, and document checklists for transfer, change of status, applying from abroad and reinstatement, with agency questions sent to the VP of Marketing and Admissions.Source
  • 15

    The blog has 295 posts, from "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago" to general pieces like "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". Applicant questions (costs, schedules, transfer, CPT/OPT steps) bring visitors who enquire.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Ask admissions for the top 30 questions.

    How to measure it

    Blog-sourced inquiries

    Now
    –
    Target
    +40%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Collect questions

      Admissions team.

      Admissions Representative 1 week

    2. 2

      Plan posts

      30 topics.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 week

    3. 3

      Write

      Two a week.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions weekly

    4. 4

      Link

      To programs and form.

      Web Developer weekly

    5. 5

      Retire

      Off-topic posts.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 month

    6. 6

      Measure

      Inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Write the top question first.

    Why it works

    List the 30 questions admissions hears most, write one clear post per question linked to the program and form, and refresh or retire older off-topic posts.

    Answering real applicant questions brings visitors who are ready to apply.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Immigration accuracy

      Have the designated school official review those posts.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
    • Your websiteAgency page: "Marketing Material and Resources for Educational Agencies": an agency manual, program, schedule, tuition, hybrid and calendar links, and document checklists for transfer, change of status, applying from abroad and reinstatement, with agency questions sent to the VP of Marketing and Admissions.Source

Big bets 3

Larger plays that can change the trajectory.

  • 16

    Hybrid programs, with "no change in tuition or content", blend online and in-person learning. Working adults need flexibility most.

    High impactHigh effort First result in 3 quarters Academic Dean

    First action

    List programs that could run hybrid.

    How to measure it

    Hybrid enrolments

    Now
    –
    Target
    +50%
    By
    4 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Check rules

      By program and student type.

      Academic Dean 1 month

    2. 2

      Design

      Online modules.

      Curriculum Coordinator 1 quarter

    3. 3

      Train faculty

      Online teaching.

      Academic Program Lead 1 month

    4. 4

      Launch

      Two programs.

      Academic Dean 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Market

      Working adults.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions ongoing

    6. 6

      Compare

      Completion.

      Academic Dean quarterly

    First result
    3 quarters
    Cost
    Course design time
    Owner
    Academic Dean

    Smallest test

    Survey current students on hybrid interest.

    Why it works

    Extend hybrid to more programs where rules allow, market them to domestic working adults, and measure completion against in-person cohorts.

    Flexible formats reach students who cannot attend 2-3 days a week.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Lower completion online

      Keep live sessions and check-ins.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteHybrid Programs page (updated September 2026): "Computer Services Institute (CSI) is excited to offer new hybrid programs starting January 6, 2025"; "No change in tuition or content, just more flexible choices"; available to international students in the US with CPT/OPT opportunities.Source
    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
  • 17

    CSI offers ESL, 1-year certificates and degree pathways with Indiana Wesleyan and Walden. Students who start in ESL can continue for years if the path is clear.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 3 quarters VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Count ESL students who continued last year.

    How to measure it

    Continuation rate

    Now
    –
    Target
    +15 points
    By
    4 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Map path

      Programs and degrees.

      Academic Dean 1 month

    2. 2

      Price it

      Total and discount.

      CEO 1 month

    3. 3

      Publish

      Path page.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Advise

      Quarterly next-step talks.

      Student Affairs Advisor quarterly

    5. 5

      Track

      Continuations.

      Academic Dean quarterly

    6. 6

      Refine

      Yearly.

      Academic Dean yearly

    First result
    3 quarters
    Cost
    Discount costs
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Show the path to one ESL class.

    Why it works

    Package an "ESL to career to degree" path with a total cost, timeline and a small loyalty discount for continuing students. Advisors review the next step each quarter.

    Continuing students cost far less to recruit than new ones.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Discount cuts margin

      Small and tied to continuation.

    Evidence

    • Your websitePartners page (last updated May 2022) lists only Indiana Wesleyan University. A separate blog post announces a partnership with Walden University with transfer pathways into the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Nursing and Bachelor of Business Administration.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source
    • Your website#WhyCSI page: "Business Career Program starts at only $1,250 tuition per quarter"; "Lower cost per hour compared to competitors"; classes "Only 2 to 3 days a week"; schedule options "7 days a week"; "Multilingual staff"; "1 Year Programs"; a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University for degree transfer.Source
  • 18

    CSI runs Customer Service Specialist and Billing & Coding programs. Employers in Chicago and Boston need to train staff and sometimes pay for it.

    High impactHigh effort First result in 4 quarters Career Services Coordinator

    First action

    Ask three employers about staff training.

    How to measure it

    Cohorts sold

    Now
    –
    Target
    3
    By
    4 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Define offer

      Programs and price.

      Academic Dean 1 month

    2. 2

      Pitch

      Externship employers.

      Career Services Coordinator 1 quarter

    3. 3

      Pilot

      One cohort.

      Academic Program Lead 1 quarter

    4. 4

      Results

      Completion and promotion.

      Career Services Coordinator 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Scale

      More employers.

      Career Services Coordinator ongoing

    6. 6

      Review

      Margin.

      CEO quarterly

    First result
    4 quarters
    Cost
    Sales time
    Owner
    Career Services Coordinator

    Smallest test

    Propose a cohort to one employer.

    Why it works

    Offer employers a cohort for their staff (on-site or hybrid) at a group price, starting with the externship employers.

    B2B cohorts fill classes in batches and bring employer relationships.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Employer schedules

      Flexible hybrid formats.

    Evidence

    • Hiring27 open posts on CSI's ADP careers site, posted September 4 to October 16, 2026: instructors for Business Finance, Marketing, Hospitality, Digital Multimedia, Organizational Administration, Customer Service, Communication, ESL Intensive, Healthcare Billing & Coding, Healthcare Clinical and Web Application Development across all six campuses, plus a Curriculum Coordinator, two Student Affairs Advisors and an Academic Program Lead.Source
    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source

Wildcards 4

Unexpected experiments, each with a cheap way to test it.

  • 19

    CSI's students come from many countries and Instagram (csi_now) already exists. Students trust peers who share their language and background.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter VP of Marketing and Admissions

    First action

    Recruit three ambassadors.

    How to measure it

    Ambassador inquiries

    Now
    –
    Target
    40 a quarter
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Recruit

      Three students.

      Student Affairs Advisor 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Brief

      Guidelines.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 week

    3. 3

      Post

      Weekly.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions weekly

    4. 4

      Links

      Tracked.

      Web Developer 1 day

    5. 5

      Pay

      Monthly stipend.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    6. 6

      Measure

      Inquiries.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Stipends
    Owner
    VP of Marketing and Admissions

    Smallest test

    Recruit one ambassador.

    Why it works

    Recruit paid student ambassadors per campus to post a weekly day-in-the-life clip in their language, with a referral link.

    Peer content reaches communities that ads miss.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Off-message posts

      Review before posting.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteContent: 295 posts in the sitemap, 68 updated in 2026, newest including "How to Find OPT Jobs in Chicago", "Banking in the US: Tips for International Students", "Email Automation Explained" and "Discussion of CSS Grid Layout Techniques". YouTube channel: 63 videos, 876 subscribers, 954,520 views. A homepage link invites visitors to "a Sneak Peek into one of our Programs".Source
    • Your websiteRefer a Friend: "$100 Reward" paid by ACH once the referred person signs an enrolment agreement, for referrals received before January 23, 2027, open to new, current and former students, plus an iPad giveaway for referrals from July 26, 2026.Source
  • 20

    Healthcare and other programs require an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment. Applicants worry about it; a free practice check lowers the worry and captures contact details.

    Medium impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Admissions Representative

    First action

    Write 20 practice questions with the ESL team.

    How to measure it

    Level-check leads

    Now
    –
    Target
    100 a month
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Write questions

      With ESL faculty.

      Curriculum Coordinator 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Build form

      Online quiz.

      Web Developer 1 week

    3. 3

      Results

      Level and program.

      Curriculum Coordinator 1 week

    4. 4

      Follow up

      Admissions call.

      Admissions Representative ongoing

    5. 5

      Promote

      Ads and agencies.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions ongoing

    6. 6

      Measure

      Leads and enrolments.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Admissions Representative

    Smallest test

    Share 20 practice questions with one agency.

    Why it works

    Offer a 15-minute online English check that suggests the right ESL level or career program, with results by email and a call from admissions.

    A useful free tool brings leads and puts students in the right program sooner.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Confused with the official test

      Label it a practice check.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteCalendars page: one download per program and no start dates on the page itself. Program pages: 1-year certificates; Medical Assisting is 40 academic weeks, 36 credit hours, $8,800, with CCMA, EKG, CMAA and CPR/AED certification preparation and an ACCUPLACER ESL placement test before enrolment.Source
    • Your websiteTuition page, Winter 2027: Illinois Business Career Program $1,400 tuition per quarter plus $220 materials ($1,620 a quarter, $6,480 program total); Medical Assisting $1,950 a quarter (labelled "Fall Tuition" in the Winter table), $8,800 total; CompTIA/Microsoft $1,700; ESL $1,300. Massachusetts Business Career Program $1,600 a quarter. Communication is priced for Massachusetts although the calendars page lists it as "IL Campuses only".Source
  • 21

    csinow.edu has DMARC set to "p=none", so anyone can send email that looks like it comes from CSI admissions, and Contact Form 7 and TablePress are behind current versions. International applicants are common targets of fake admission offers.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 month Web Developer

    First action

    Turn on DMARC reporting.

    How to measure it

    DMARC policy

    Now
    –
    Target
    reject
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      Reports

      Turn on.

      Web Developer 1 hour

    2. 2

      Review

      Two weeks.

      Web Developer 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Tighten

      Quarantine then reject.

      Web Developer 1 month

    4. 4

      Update plugins

      On staging first.

      Web Developer 1 day

    5. 5

      Contact page

      How CSI contacts applicants.

      VP of Marketing and Admissions 1 day

    6. 6

      Monitor

      Monthly.

      Web Developer monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    $0
    Owner
    Web Developer

    Smallest test

    Turn on reporting today.

    Why it works

    Review DMARC reports for two weeks, then move to "quarantine" and later "reject"; update WordPress, Avada and plugins; add a page explaining how CSI contacts applicants.

    Trusted email protects applicants and keeps admissions emails out of spam.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Blocking real mail

      Tighten only after clean reports.

    Evidence

    • DNS checkEmail on Microsoft 365 with DKIM; SPF "~all" and DMARC "p=none", so the domain is not yet protected from spoofed admissions emails. WordPress with the Avada theme; Contact Form 7 and TablePress are behind their current versions.Source
  • 22

    CSI has 27 open posts, most of them instructors, on an ADP page linked from a general "Join the Team" page. Industry professionals who might teach part-time need to see what it is like.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 month HR Manager

    First action

    List open teaching roles by campus.

    How to measure it

    Applicants per instructor opening

    Now
    –
    Target
    +50%
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      List roles

      By campus.

      HR Manager 1 day

    2. 2

      Write page

      What teaching is like.

      HR Manager 1 week

    3. 3

      Add quote

      From staff.

      Academic Program Lead 1 day

    4. 4

      Publish

      Linked to ADP.

      Web Developer 1 day

    5. 5

      Share

      Alumni and groups.

      HR Manager ongoing

    6. 6

      Measure

      Applicants.

      HR Manager monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    $0
    Owner
    HR Manager

    Smallest test

    Post the page to LinkedIn.

    Why it works

    Build a "Teach at CSI" page: courses by campus, schedules, what instructors do (project-based learning, field outings), a staff quote, and a link to each opening. Share it with alumni and professional groups.

    Faster hiring keeps class schedules full, which keeps start dates reliable.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Out-of-date roles

      Link to the live ADP list.

    Evidence

    • Hiring27 open posts on CSI's ADP careers site, posted September 4 to October 16, 2026: instructors for Business Finance, Marketing, Hospitality, Digital Multimedia, Organizational Administration, Customer Service, Communication, ESL Intensive, Healthcare Billing & Coding, Healthcare Clinical and Web Application Development across all six campuses, plus a Curriculum Coordinator, two Student Affairs Advisors and an Academic Program Lead.Source
    • HiringAcademic Program Lead (Charlestown, posted October 1, 2026): oversight of "approximately 150+ students in assigned programs", working with deans "to ensure student academic successes and retention", advising on Satisfactory Academic Progress and organising field trips. Student Affairs Advisor/Admin Assistant (Chicago, October 15): "Makes outbound calls to remind students of upcoming deadlines", arranges "practicum opportunities", guides students on "attendance, work authorization and other related topics". Instructors "Organize and lead field outings for student enrichment once per module".Source
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  • NovuSIM growth strategyPrepaid travel eSIMs for 150+ countries, sold on a 17-language website and iOS and Android apps, with a custom multi-country plan builder…22 growth ideas
  • CapIntel growth strategyInvestment comparison and proposal software for wealth management firms: advisors compare products and portfolios, show tax impact and…21 growth ideas

See every playbook and website review

Independent research. Programmable wrote this playbook from public sources, as they stood on October 21, 2026, and cites them throughout. Computer Systems Institute did not commission, review or endorse it, and Programmable is not affiliated with Computer Systems Institute. Company and product names are trademarks of their owners, used only to identify them. The ideas are suggestions and opinion, not professional, legal or financial advice, and not statements about how Computer Systems Institute runs its business.

Something wrong, or do you represent Computer Systems Institute? Email [email protected] and we will correct it or take it down.

30/60/90 roadmap

What to focus on in each month, and the ideas that carry it.

  1. Days 1 to 307 ideas

    Prices and start dates, page speed, inquiry follow-up, partners page, agency kit and referral calls; DMARC and plugin updates.

  2. Days 31 to 6012 ideas

    Outcomes pages, early-warning retention, faculty profiles, employer network, video series, local adults, campus profiles, translations and the blog; ambassadors, the level check and the teaching page.

  3. Days 61 to 903 ideas

    Hybrid growth, the ESL-to-degree ladder and employer cohorts.

The research behind the plan

3 research areas, each summarised in a few lines. Open any of them for the full detail.

Customers

What customers say

Customers value affordable tuition. The most cited problem: unclear costs and start dates.

  • Flexible schedules
  • Visa and status paperwork
  • In their words: “CPT”

Market

Competitive landscape

2 competitors compared: Midwestern Career College and ELS.

  • Gap to exploit: Clear outcomes per program
  • Midwestern Career College: Less international support
  • ELS: ESL only

Hiring signals

CSI is staffing up teaching across nearly every program and all six campuses (more than 20 instructor posts since September 2026), plus a Curriculum Coordinator, an Academic Program Lead focused on retention for 150+…

  • Instructor - Finance Program (Allston, Lombard, Skokie): Teaching capacity growing across campuses. Ideas 9, 22.
  • Instructor - Healthcare: Billing & Coding Program (Skokie): Healthcare programs staffing up. Ideas 12, 18.
  • Instructor - Web Application Development Program (Charlestown): IT teaching in Massachusetts. Idea 9.

From the team that wrote this playbook

All products
  • ProgrammableAgencyWorking AI systems in days, not quarters (opens programmable.agency in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableInfoAn agent that finds, researches and asks first (opens programmable.info in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableDigitalScreenshots in, an animated product demo out (opens programmable.digital in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableWatchKnow the day a supplier falls out of compliance (opens programmable.watch in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableTalkGet registrants for your events, and know who’s coming (opens programmable.talk in a new tab)
  • ProgrammablePageText what you need, your customer gets a page that works (opens programmable.page in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableCommunityForums with labelled AI members, never empty (opens programmable.community in a new tab)
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