Unpacking the Enrollment Decline
FAFSA Issues, Demographic Changes, and Economic Pressures take a firm grip on Higher Education
With recent reports indicating a steep drop in college enrollments, particularly among first-year students, #HigherEd is facing a perfect storm of challenges. We are well-aware of the demographic shift in student enrollment, but there are also several compounding factors at play, as well as some considerations for some recovery.
Key factors contributing to the current enrollment crisis:
1. FAFSA Rollout Debacle: the fumbles associated with the implementation of the "Better FAFSA" has been a significant contributor to the enrollment decline. Technical glitches, delays, and a shortened application window have left many students and families struggling to navigate the financial aid process.
2. Value/ROI Perception: Growing skepticism about the value and return on investment of a college degree is influencing enrollment decisions. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, students and families are increasingly questioning the ROI.
3. Low-Income First-Gen Overwhelmed: The enrollment decline has not affected all groups equally. The FAFSA issues have particularly impacted low-income and first-generation students, who often rely heavily on financial aid. This could affect students across all racial and ethnic groups.
4. SCOTUS Impacts Too Early to Tell: While the fall out of the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action has shown an immediate impact on Ivy League campus enrollment, we also know that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have seen a 12% increase in first-year enrollment, while Hispanic-serving institutions experienced about 6% growth.
Strategic Recommendations
As retaining the students will be essential, institutions should take action and consider the strategies to impact student persistence:
1. Enhance Support Services: Put full attention into comprehensive scaffolded support systems that address academic, financial, and social needs. Consider coordination of peer mentoring programs, CARE teams, academic success centers, career readiness programs, mental health counseling, and accessibility resources.
2. Improve Financial Literacy: Develop programs to help students better understand and manage their finances. This could include workshops on budgeting, loan repayment options, and scholarship opportunities.
3. Foster a Sense of Belonging: Create initiatives that promote inclusivity and community on campus, and be sure it is unique to the mission of your campus. This could involve expanding cultural programs, supporting diverse student organizations, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
4. Flexible Learning Options: Offer a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid courses to accommodate diverse student needs and preferences. This flexibility can be particularly appealing to non-traditional students, and those balancing work and campus life.
Improving FAFSA Participation: Looking Ahead
The impact of the poor FAFSA implementation is going to be long lasting. Institutions must be purposeful in seeking to boost FAFSA completion rates and streamline the process for future applicants:
1. Year-Round / Multilingual Outreach: Implement a comprehensive, year-long communication plan to educate students and families about the FAFSA process and its importance. Develop or leverage existing multilingual outreach materials to ensure all families can access critical information about financial aid opportunities. Collaborate with local organizations to bring FAFSA support into community spaces, making the process more accessible to underserved populations.
2. Simplify the Process and Bring in Early Intervention: Institutions must advocate for further simplification of the FAFSA form and process. The recent reduction to 36 questions is a step in the right direction, but more can be done to streamline the application. Advocate for the implement FAFSA completion programs in high schools, potentially considering it as a graduation requirement. States like Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas have seen significant improvements in completion rates with such initiatives.
A multifaceted approach is necessary. By addressing the root causes of enrollment declines, implementing targeted retention strategies, and working to improve the FAFSA process, institutions can position themselves for recovery and growth.The path forward requires collaboration between policymakers, educational institutions, and community partners.
Dr. De Veau Media Appearance
It was a great pleasure to be a guest on the “This Week in College Viability Podcast” with Gary Stocker. Gary read my piece “A New Era of Campus Expansion?” and wanted to explore the topic further. Check out the podcast with Gary and let me know what you think!