How to Get College Brochures in the Mail

Even in an age of digital marketing and online applications, college brochures sent through the mail remain a valuable resource for prospective students. Physical materials such as viewbooks, program brochures, and admissions packets provide a tangible way to explore colleges and compare options without staring at another screen.

Students, parents, and adult learners alike still request mailed brochures to get a clearer sense of campus culture, academic offerings, and admissions expectations. Knowing how and where to request these materials can help you receive useful information from colleges you’re genuinely interested in, rather than random mail you didn’t ask for.

Why Colleges Still Send Physical Brochures

Colleges continue to invest in printed brochures because physical materials often leave a stronger impression than digital content alone. A professionally designed viewbook can showcase campus life, academic programs, and student outcomes in a way that encourages deeper engagement.

From an admissions perspective, sending brochures also helps schools identify students who are actively exploring their options. When you request materials, colleges often place you into a communication track that includes follow-up mail, emails, and invitations to apply.

The Direct Request Method (The Most Reliable Way)

The most reliable way to receive college brochures in the mail is to request them directly from the school. Nearly every accredited college and university provides a simple way for prospective students to ask for physical materials.

Using a College’s “Request Information” Form

Most college websites feature a “Request Information” or “Request Info” button, usually found in the admissions or prospective students section. These forms allow you to indicate your academic interests, preferred degree level, and how you would like to receive information.

When filling out the form, be sure to provide your full mailing address and double-check for options that allow you to select physical mail. Choosing “physical,” “mail,” or “both digital and physical” increases the likelihood that the school will send a brochure or viewbook to your home.

Contacting Admissions Directly

If a college does not have a visible request form, contacting the admissions office directly can be just as effective. A short email expressing interest in a specific program and asking for a physical brochure is usually enough to prompt a mailing.

Most admissions offices are accustomed to these requests and are happy to send materials to prospective students. In many cases, you’ll receive a confirmation email followed by printed materials within a few weeks.

Using Standardized Testing Opt-Ins

Many students begin receiving college brochures automatically after registering for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. During registration, test providers offer optional student search services that allow colleges to contact prospective students who match their criteria.

By opting in, you give accredited, nonprofit colleges permission to access limited profile information such as your location, intended major, and test date. This is one of the most common reasons high school students receive a large volume of college mail, especially during junior and senior year.

College Board Student Search Service (SAT)

The College Board’s Student Search Service is one of the most widely used recruitment tools in higher education. When you opt in while registering for the SAT, colleges can send you information about their programs, scholarships, and admissions process.

Many schools use this service to initiate contact with students they believe may be a good fit. As a result, opting in often leads to receiving printed brochures, viewbooks, and personalized letters in the mail.

ACT Educational Opportunity Service

The ACT offers a similar opt-in program called the Educational Opportunity Service. Students who participate may receive information from colleges looking for applicants with specific academic interests or geographic backgrounds.

Like the SAT search service, opting in can lead to both digital and physical communications. Students can update preferences or opt out later if the volume of mail becomes overwhelming.

Managing How Much Mail You Receive

While testing opt-ins are effective, they can sometimes result in more mail than expected. Students can manage this by adjusting their preferences within their College Board or ACT accounts.

Limiting interest areas or opting out entirely can reduce unwanted mail while still allowing you to request brochures directly from schools you’re interested in.

Using College Match and Search Websites

College match websites allow students to create a single profile and connect with multiple colleges at once. These platforms act as intermediaries, helping schools identify prospective students who meet certain academic or personal criteria.

Engaging with colleges through these sites often signals genuine interest. In many cases, saving or following a school triggers the institution’s recruitment system to send physical brochures or welcome packets.

College Board BigFuture

BigFuture, operated by the College Board, allows students to search for colleges, compare programs, and build personalized lists. When you save schools or indicate interest, colleges may follow up with mailed materials.

Because BigFuture is widely used and trusted, many institutions prioritize leads generated through the platform. This makes it an effective way to receive brochures from well-known colleges and universities.

Cappex and Niche

Cappex and Niche both allow students to create profiles, explore colleges, and follow or favorite specific schools. These actions often signal interest to admissions offices, which may respond by sending physical materials.

In addition to brochures, students may receive letters about scholarships, campus visits, or application opportunities. The more complete your profile, the more targeted the mail you are likely to receive.

CollegeXpress

CollegeXpress is specifically designed to help students express interest in multiple schools at once. Rather than searching passively, users actively request information from colleges through a centralized system.

Because the platform is focused on outreach, many schools respond with mailed brochures or program-specific packets. This makes CollegeXpress especially useful for students who want physical materials from several colleges quickly.

Attending College Fairs and Information Events

College fairs remain one of the most effective ways to request brochures in person. Local high schools, community organizations, and national groups like the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) regularly host events where students can meet admissions representatives face to face.

These events allow you to ask questions about programs, campus life, and admissions requirements while also signing up to receive materials. Even in 2026, many colleges still send printed viewbooks and program brochures to students who express interest at fairs.

Using QR Codes and Digital Sign-Ups

Instead of filling out paper cards by hand, most college representatives now use QR codes or digital scanners. By scanning a code and completing a quick online form, your information is added directly to the school’s recruitment system.

This digital process often increases the likelihood of receiving accurate follow-up mail because your address is entered directly by you. It also allows colleges to track your specific interests, such as major or degree level.

Asking for Full Viewbooks

While many representatives bring lightweight postcards or flyers to fairs, full viewbooks are often shipped from the admissions office after the event. If you prefer a comprehensive brochure, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask whether they can mail one to your home.

In many cases, representatives will flag your profile for a physical mailing. Taking a moment to express genuine interest in a specific program can increase the chances that you receive more detailed materials.

What Types of Brochures and Mail You’ll Receive

When you request college brochures, you may receive several types of materials over time. The most common is a general viewbook, which highlights academic programs, campus life, housing options, and student success stories.

Some colleges also send program-specific brochures tailored to majors like business, engineering, nursing, or education. You may receive additional mail such as scholarship letters, open house invitations, or application reminders as your graduation date approaches.

How Long It Takes to Receive College Brochures

After submitting a request form or expressing interest through a fair or website, brochures typically arrive within two to four weeks. Delivery times may vary depending on the school’s mailing schedule and your location.

Some colleges send materials in stages, beginning with a brief introductory postcard and followed by a full viewbook later. If you have not received anything after a month, it may be helpful to follow up with the admissions office to confirm your mailing address.

Tips for Getting the Right Brochures (Not Just More Mail)

Requesting college brochures can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not selective. Using a few simple strategies can help you receive materials that are truly relevant to your academic goals and interests.

• Narrow your search criteria: Decide what matters most to you, such as location, degree program, tuition range, or learning format. Focusing on specific priorities helps ensure the brochures you receive are relevant.
• Select program-specific interests: When completing request forms or online profiles, choose your intended major or field of study. This encourages colleges to send detailed, program-focused materials instead of general admissions mail.
• Use a dedicated email address: Creating a separate email account for college searches helps you stay organized and avoid clutter in your primary inbox. This also makes it easier to track which schools you’ve contacted.
• Keep a simple tracking list: Write down or digitally track the colleges you’ve requested information from. Comparing brochures side by side can help you identify differences in programs, costs, and campus culture.
• Review and follow up selectively: If a brochure stands out, consider visiting the school’s website or contacting admissions for next steps. Being selective helps you move from exploration to informed decision-making.

Should You Still Request College Brochures?

In a world dominated by websites, virtual tours, and social media, you might wonder whether physical brochures are still necessary. While digital research is convenient, printed materials can offer a more focused and immersive way to explore a college without distractions.

Brochures often include curated highlights, student testimonials, and program summaries designed to help you quickly understand what makes a school unique. For many students and families, receiving physical mail also makes the college search feel more tangible and motivating.

That said, brochures should complement—not replace—thorough online research. Reviewing accreditation, program outcomes, tuition details, and admissions requirements on official websites remains essential before making any enrollment decisions.

FAQs About Getting College Brochures in the Mail

Requesting college brochures is simple, but many students have questions about how the process works. Below are answers to common concerns about physical college mail.

Can Anyone Request College Brochures?

Yes, anyone interested in a college can typically request brochures, including high school students, transfer students, and adult learners. Most schools do not restrict who can submit a request information form. As long as you provide accurate contact details, colleges are usually happy to send materials.

Do Colleges Still Send Free Brochures?

Yes, colleges generally send brochures and viewbooks at no cost to prospective students. These materials are part of the institution’s recruitment and outreach efforts. You should not have to pay to receive admissions information from accredited colleges.

Can Adult Learners Get College Brochures?

Absolutely, adult learners can request brochures just like traditional high school students. Many colleges offer programs specifically designed for working adults and may send materials tailored to flexible or online options. When submitting a request, selecting your intended degree level helps ensure you receive relevant information.

Will Requesting Brochures Increase Spam?

Requesting brochures may result in additional emails or mail from the colleges you contact. However, reputable institutions do not typically sell your information to unrelated third parties. You can manage communication preferences or unsubscribe from emails if the volume becomes too high.

How Do I Stop Getting College Mail?

If you are receiving more college mail than you want, you can update your preferences through College Board or ACT accounts if you opted into their search services. You can also unsubscribe from individual colleges’ email lists or contact admissions offices directly to request removal from mailing lists. Taking these steps usually reduces physical and digital communications over time.

Explore Colleges and Degree Programs Online

While requesting brochures is a helpful first step, researching accredited programs online allows you to compare options more thoroughly. Browse colleges and degree programs on Learn.org and contact schools directly to find the right fit for your academic and career goals.