Identity and Logo Design Agency for Higher Ed Associations and Councils

Higher-education associations and councils often turn to Elliance to create a new logo or refresh their brand identity. Motivations vary: some want to shed an outdated image and embrace a more modern presence, others aim to clarify their evolved mission, while some seek to expand their reach to new members or stakeholders.

A strong brand identity is more than just visuals — it makes the organization’s essence tangible. It shapes perception, builds trust, and fosters meaningful connections that support long-term success. It helps students, faculty, partners, and donors clearly understand and buy into the mission. It equips staff and volunteers to represent the organization confidently. Ultimately, it strengthens brand equity and positions the organization for growth and impact.

Here are examples of two higher ed associations and councils that turned to Elliance to create or enhance their brand identities.

National Transfer Student Week by NISTS 

Every year, National Institute for the Study of Transfers Students (NISTS) holds “National Transfer Student Week” to shine light on a community that is often overlooked — students whose journeys don’t follow a straight line but are no less determined, ambitious, and full of potential. The challenge: instead of changing its identity annually, NISTS wished to create a “forever” brand identity that captures that spirit, transcends institutions, and resonates with students across the country and enables member institutions to adapt it to their own brand colors. Elliance welcomed the challenge. We developed five logo options.

After much discussion and a few revisions, NISTS chose concept #1. Next Elliance created the sampling of brand expressions, templates and scalable assets in Canva with instructions for member institutions to adopt is with minimum effort.

The new identity is being rolled out nationally this fall.

Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance (HEFWA) 

Rising tuition costs, student loan debt, and the high cost of living make it essential for college students to develop financial literacy and strong money management skills. HEFWA turned to Elliance to redesign its identity to reflect the evolving landscape of financial wellness in higher education, strengthen its brand recognition, and enhance engagement with new institutions and students.