3rd Millennium Classrooms’ alcohol prevention course Alcohol Wise increases your students’ knowledge of alcohol and has been shown to result in behavior change. It not only meets federally required mandates but also offer measurable financial and institutional benefits. Here’s are 7 ways Alcohol Wise can save your campus money:
#1 Reduces Campus Incidents and Associated Costs
Students who receive prevention education make smarter decisions about alcohol. Research on Alcohol Wise found a 9.5% reduction in drinking game participation, a 28% decrease in heavy drinking (Croom et al., 2015), and a 36% reduction in peak BAC (Doumas et al., 2010). By educating students on how alcohol affects the body and reinforcing safe decision-making, Alcohol Wise helps reduce destructive behaviors—and the costly consequences that often follow.
#2 Improves Retention and Increases Academic Performance
Students who drink responsibly—or abstain altogether—are more likely to attend class, perform well academically, and persist through graduation. In one study, students who completed Alcohol Wise had GPAs 0.5 points higher than their peers (Lane et al., 2007) and saw 18% higher retention rates (Strohman et al., 2015). For institutions, this translates directly to tuition revenue. A university with 13,187 students and $7,415 average tuition could lose over $4 million from just a 5% drop in enrollment (3rd Millennium Classrooms, 2024).
3. Protects Your Institution from Legal and Compliance Risks
Federal and Title IX regulations require schools to take proactive steps around substance use and student safety. Failing to do so can expose institutions to lawsuits, compliance violations, and reputational damage (Krebs et al., 2007).
“Student Dies After Possible Hazing Episode at [Your University]”
“A [Your University] Student Nearly Dies from Alcohol Poisoning”
These headlines are avoidable. And they’re costly.
Moreover, 10% of students who consume alcohol report committing crimes such as vandalism or assault in a given year (Croom et al., 2015). Implementing Alcohol Wise demonstrates due diligence and fosters a safer, more stable campus environment.
4. Reduces Alcohol Violations on Campus
Each alcohol-related violation costs time, money, and administrative resources. Campuses that consistently implement Alcohol Wise year after year report a steady decline in alcohol-related incidents, reflecting both student behavior change and institutional culture shift (3rd Millennium Classrooms, 2024).
5. Prevention Costs Less Than Intervention
The ROI on prevention is substantial. For every $1 spent on prevention, the return in benefits and savings ranges from $8 to $80—a 1000% potential return for programs like Alcohol Wise (3rd Millennium Classrooms, 2024). Compared to the financial and human costs of medical emergencies, conduct hearings, or lawsuits, the investment is not just wise—it’s essential.
6. Alcohol-Wise Offers Sustainable Pricing and Customization
7. Unlock Access to Grant Funding
Programs like Alcohol Wise, which include the eCHECKUP TO GO brief intervention, have appeared in over 18 outcome studies and 12 peer-reviewed journals (3rd Millennium Classrooms, 2024). This level of research backing makes institutions more competitive for federal and state prevention funding.
Alcohol Wise delivers a high return on investment by reducing risky behaviors, supporting student success, and lowering institutional risk. It’s a smart, scalable, and research-driven solution to meet your campus wellness goals—while protecting your budget.