Backpack Media

Connect with students and recent grads at every life stage

Go beyond basic demographics. Leverage our unique insights and 
predictive signals to gain Gen Z customers that last a lifetime.

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$1,325 per person* How much U.S. college students/families plan to spend on back-to-school (2025).

Where the student journey meets media performance

Backpack Media is built on a foundation no other media network can match—Sallie’s education, industry, and audience insights. We know who students and recent grads are, where they’re headed, and what they’ll need next. With us, you’re the brand they start with, and stay with longer. Turn early habits into lifelong loyalty and long-term results.
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Build lifelong loyalty with Gen Z, college students,
and recent grads nationwide

Activate proprietary education and audience insights that forecast future needs and purchasing behaviors—because we understand the student journey better than anyone else.

Show up at key life stages

Reach students and grads nationwide, at the moments that trigger demand. 

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Your complete media solutions package

Expand your reach with off-site media

Extend your message beyond our properties with off-site digital, mobile, CTV, and social, using verified first-party audiences to scale responsibly.
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Show up when it matters with on-site advertising

Ad placements across our owned properties reach students at key decision making moments—when they research schools, complete applications, and plan their next steps—delivering highly relevant impressions aligned with strong intent.
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Full-service creative that performs

We become an extension of your marketing team, building high-impact ads that are tailored, testable, and always evolving. Our integrated approach delivers faster performance lifts and smarter spend.
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Improve performance with measurement and optimization

Our network is integrated with industry-leading measurement partners, ensuring campaign success, no matter how you define it. And you can improve performance in real-time with AI-led optimization.
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Why brands believe in us

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Trusted partner

Powered by Sallie, a higher ed industry leader, providing instant credibility.

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Real people, real data

Access to verified students and parents at pivotal life moments.

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Measurable results

Closed-loop analytics that show true campaign impact.

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In the news

Sallie launches Backpack Media, an education-powered media network.

 

FAQs about Backpack Media 

Get answers to common questions about multi-channel advertising solutions so you have more information to help you build for performance and scale.

Who can advertise with Backpack Media? 

Backpack Media partners with a select group of institutions and brands that meaningfully support students and families during key education and financial decisions. All onsite opportunities are carefully vetted to ensure relevance, trust, and alignment with student needs.

How does Backpack Media protect and improve the student experience? 

Every campaign is reviewed to ensure it adds value to the student journey. We prioritize helpful, timely, and trustworthy messaging—so students encounter guidance and solutions, not intrusive or irrelevant ads.

Who are your audiences and how are they verified? 

Our audiences include verified high school students, college students, graduate students, adult learners, and parents. Verification includes privacy-safe, first-party data ensuring accuracy and real-world relevance.

What ad formats and placements are available? 

We offer curated, native, and contextually integrated formats designed to feel like part of the education experience, not interruptions. Onsite placements are limited to preserve quality and impact.

How do we start a partnership with Backpack Media? 

Reach out to our team to discuss your objectives. We’ll assess fit, align on goals, and design a campaign that supports both your outcomes and the student journey.

* Source: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-to-school-season-begins-early-for-majority-of-shoppers