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Enrollment is up at many colleges and universities across the country, according to reports from states including Texas, Washington, and Michigan.
"When the economy goes down and jobs are harder to find, students go back to college," Janelle Runyon, spokeswoman for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, told the Associated Press.
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For example, colleges in the state of Washington reporting increases in enrollment this term include: Pierce College's Puyallup, which is up 28 percent; Wenatchee Valley College, which rose 11 percent; and Peninsula College, which had a 13 percent increase.
Michigan is another state that may be experiencing slumps in many areas, yet higher education is not one of them, according to the Oakland Press article “Enrollment up at local colleges, universities.”
The Press reported that respected schools such as Oakland University, Lawrence Technological University, and Walsh Business College are experiencing increased undergraduate enrollment this year, and even this term.
Community colleges have shown the biggest increases in enrollment across the country. That trend is expected to continue this fall, according to Norma Kent, a spokeswoman for the American Association of Community Colleges.
“For a variety of reasons, in Texas and across the U.S., students are enrolling in record numbers at community colleges," said Dr. Joe Birmingham, president of Weatherford College.
Fall enrollment of students training for a new career is up 51 percent in the Seattle community college and technical school system.
"This is one of the strongest starts that we've ever seen," said Carin Weiss, SCC vice chancellor for education planning and distance learning. "We're seeing growth in all areas."
Many of the colleges and universities are also teaming up with local community colleges so that students can transfer to a four-year institution easier.
“With the rise in cost, it’s a good option to go to community college and then transfer to a place like Walsh,” said John Lichtenberg, chief marketing and enrollment officer at Walsh College.
“With the rise in cost, it’s a good option to go to community college and then transfer to a place like Walsh,” said John Lichtenberg, chief marketing and enrollment officer at Walsh College.
The question is this: who is going back to college, and will they succeed?
Part of the enrollment increase is due to the rising number of foreign students. The declining value of the US dollar allows for better bargains for foreign students, according to the Boston Globe. See “Foreign students flock to the US.”
There is also an increase in the number of online students, which probably has a lot to do with the fluctuating cost of gas.
Of course, not all colleges are thriving. According to one article, “Historically black colleges are taking a hit in this economy.” These schools serve poor students, who may lose opportunities if they close.
However, I wonder if any students displaced by one of these colleges closing can find similar opportunities at the integrated schools that are reasonably priced and are thriving.
There is another downside to enrollment figures. While the undergraduate programs continue to attract more students, many colleges such as Lawrence Tech and Oakland University have lost graduate students.
Many attributed the decrease in graduate students to the distress in many corporations, who have stopped giving employees/ students tuition reimbursement.
Many attributed the decrease in graduate students to the distress in many corporations, who have stopped giving employees/ students tuition reimbursement.
College admissions officers are also carefully watching the new administration as there are promises for all kinds of changes. See “Obama-Biden education agenda posted on White House website” and "Colleges pressured to freeze tuition to receive stimulus dollars."
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