Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Education
Vol 8, No 2 (2025): July 2025

How Social Media Marketing and Brand Image Shape College Decision-Making Through Perceived Value

Br Karo, Ella Manisa (Unknown)
Syahputra, Syahputra (Unknown)
Madiawati, Putu Nina (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Jul 2025

Abstract

The growing influence of digital platforms has transformed marketing practices in higher education, with social media emerging as a key channel in shaping students’ enrollment decisions. This study aims to examine the effect of social media marketing and brand image on college decision-making, with perceived value serving as a mediating variable. A quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyze data from 461 respondents. The results reveal that social media marketing significantly influences college decision both directly (? = 0.668, p 0.001) and indirectly through perceived value (? = 0.059, p = 0.013). Brand image also impacts college decision directly (? = 0.105, p = 0.031) and indirectly via perceived value (? = 0.032, p = 0.039). The model explains 69.1% of the variance in college decision (R² = 0.691). These findings highlight the importance of digital branding in enhancing students’ perceived value and influencing enrollment behavior. The study contributes to the literature on student decision-making and offers strategic insights for universities to optimize their digital engagement and institutional image.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

APJME

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

APJME aims to feature narrative, theoretical, and empirically-based research articles relevant to management and education area. We also strive to develop a better understanding on education as well as management fields. APJME has a mission to be carried out which is to bring up the latest topic ...