The decline in college enrollment continues to become a growing concern, with factors like rising costs and a strong labor market contributing to public student worry about the value of higher education. There is also a worry about earnings from a college degree. Enrollment has been on a downward trend, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this decline, policymakers and institutions are exploring various solutions, but not fast enough because students are looking for a change, now.

Is the College Enrollment Decline Here to Stay?

Despite hopes that the easing pandemic would boost college enrollment, the trend has continued to decline nationally. In fall 2022, undergraduate enrollment dropped by 1.1% compared to 2021, although this decline is slower than in previous years. Since 2019, total higher education enrollment has fallen by almost 7.5%, with the two-year sector experiencing the most significant drop (NSC Blog, 2024).

A Bright Spot in Enrollment: Are HBCUs the Answer?

One positive note was the growth in enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where student admission increased by 2.5% this fall, driven by a 6.6% rise in freshmen. However, concerns over college costs, student loan debt, a strong labor market, and worry over the value of college have continued to suppress enrollments (Nietzel, 2022). Some contributing factors for the rise in enrollment include:

• HBCUs Pride: HBCUs offer a culturally rich and supportive environment where Black students can feel a sense of belonging and avoid potential microaggressions that might occur at predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

• Highlight Black Success: HBCUs have a strong track record of graduating Black students and helping them achieve success in their chosen fields. This can be particularly appealing for students who might feel less supported at PWIs.

• Financial Aid and Affordability: HBCUs often offer generous financial aid packages and are generally more affordable than many PWIs. This makes them a more accessible option for many Black students facing financial constraints.

• Academic Focus: HBCUs may offer programs specifically tailored to the needs and interests of Black students, or have a strong focus on social justice issues that resonate with them.

• Recent Enrollment Trends: The 2023 Supreme Court decision potentially limiting affirmative action at PWIs might be leading some Black students to consider HBCUs as a result.

What Were the Enrollment Effects?

In fall 2022, the effects of extended school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic became increasingly apparent, highlighting the significant learning losses experienced by students. Despite efforts to mitigate disruptions, test scores and school attendance rates remained below pre-pandemic levels, indicating the continuing challenges tackled by the education segment (Nietzel, 2022).

Can Universities Fix Financial Aid Expansion and Non-Financial Barriers?

To fix the declining enrollment, initiatives were starting to make a little change.  The goal was to make college more affordable for two key groups: older adults and students who previously started but didn't finish their degrees. Additionally, raising awareness of financial aid programs and addressing non-financial barriers like mental health and childcare are also crucial steps that are still barriers to enrollment.

Conclusion

Fewer and fewer students are going to college these days. There are a few reasons for this. College costs a lot of money, and some students are worried it's not worth it, especially since there are good jobs out there right now that don’t require a college degree. Even before the pandemic, the number of college students was dwindling.  But there's a bright spot! Colleges for historically Black communities, called HBCUs, are seeing more student enrollment. This shows that if college is affordable, feels welcoming, helps you get a good job, and the faculty is advocating for your success, students are interested! The question is, can regular colleges change fast enough? Students want things to be different. They want college to be cheaper, to help them with things like stress and childcare, and maybe even to teach classes that match the jobs of today. The future of college depends on finding a balance. By implementing these strategies, policymakers and institutions may help reverse the downward trend in college enrollment and certify that higher education remains reachable so all students can benefit.

References

Nietzel, M. T. (2022, December 6). The Top 10 Higher Education Stories in 2022. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/12/05/the-top-ten-higher-education-stories-in-2022/?sh=3e5c85229b63

Nietzel, M. T. (2022, October 21). College enrollment losses continue, but at a slower rate, according to new report. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/10/20/college-enrollment-decline-continues-but-at-a-slower-rate-according-to-new-report

NSC Blog. (2024, February 24). Fall Undergraduate enrollment declines at a slower pace but nearing Pre-Pandemic rates - Clearinghouse today. Clearinghouse Today Blog. https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/nscblog/fall-undergraduate-enrollment-declines-at-a-slower-pace-but-nearing-pre-pandemic-rates/

Meyer, K. (2023, June 5). The case for college: Promising solutions to reverse college enrollment declines. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-case-for-college-promising-solutions-to-reverse-college-enrollment-declines/