Mainstay

Mainstay (formerly AdmitHub) is a pioneering student engagement and EdTech platform that leverages behavioral intelligence and AI-powered chatbots to drive enrollment, retention, and student success. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company completely revolutionized higher education communication by introducing proactive, conversational AI that guides students through complex administrative and academic processes. Under the hood, Mainstay’s platform seamlessly integrates with existing university CRMs and student information systems to deliver personalized, omnichannel nudges at scale—instantly answering questions about financial aid, campus life, and enrollment deadlines via SMS and web chat. Their primary target audience spans major state universities, community colleges, and large-scale employers who need to support massive populations with limited advising staff. What sets Mainstay apart in the crowded EdTech landscape is its rigorous reliance on behavioral science and peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, proving that their empathetic AI doesn’t just automate answers, but actively reduces "summer melt" and significantly boosts graduation rates.