Diverse
February 21, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced additional steps to facilitate submitting the 2024–25 FAFSA form. To date, it is estimated that nearly 4 million forms have been successfully submitted, with time to complete reduced to as little as 15 minutes. However, given ongoing challenges, the Department of Education is dedicating $50 million in funding for personnel and resources, including technical assistance and support for institutions, students, and families.
Inside Higher Ed
February 01, 2024
Another FAFSA delay has been announced by the Department of Education, and colleges will likely not receive applicant’s federal aid information until March. There are rising concerns among education officials for students dependent on financial aid offers, especially low income and first generation applicants. Universities may be forced to push their usual May 1 student commitment deadlines back to June or July. This delay was attributed to various errors including a calculation oversight not accounting for inflation in the new Student Aid Index.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
January 31, 2024
The proportion of in-state freshman enrollment has been seen as a declining trend over the past two decades, particularly evident in public flagship universities. Institutions that prioritize a higher proportion of out-of-state students may gain increased tuition revenue, but this comes at the expense of losing in-state support in the long term. While 75% of colleges still admit a majority of in-state freshmen, a dozen have shifted their enrollment trends. Hence, the variation in enrollment of in-state and out of state freshmen in different flagship universities highlights variable enrollment strategies across institutions.
University Business
January 25, 2024
Numerous states and programs have launched a variety of free scholarship and grant initiatives for high school students in need of financial assistance. Institutions have effectively utilized Direct Admissions programs as a strategy to boost enrollment rates. These efforts have resulted in a significant surge in enrollment, incentivizing students to stay close to home and enter the local workforce. However, expanded access and affordability for students through these increased initiatives could result in staff exhaustion and an excessively high student enrollment.
Higher Ed. Dive
January 18, 2024 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The higher education landscape was changed dramatically due to a series of court decisions last year, and the coming year will see rulings on additional lawsuits that could further alter college and university practices. The article outlines five current lawsuits and their potential impact.
Higher Ed. Dive
January 08, 2024
Institutions of higher education continue to face challenges that impact operations. The effects of the delayed Free Application for Federal Student Aid, political unrest, and continued financial strain are currently front of mind. Increased consolidation, problems with the federal aid program, attacks on diversity initiatives (including the recent Supreme Court ruling), lawsuits regarding policies of the Biden administration, difficulties facing ed tech companies, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in higher education are education trends to continue to watch.
The Washington Post
January 03, 2024 Admissions
The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been launched online with improved changes. It aims to simplify the application process, making it easier for a larger pool of students to access financial assistance with altered eligibility. A couple changes include reduced number of questions, more data directly uploaded, adjustments to eligibility criteria and the transition to the Student Aid Index, potentially expanding Pell Grant eligibility for millions of students, ending the ban for incarcerated students. The application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is June 30, 2025.
Higher Ed. Dive
December 13, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
Concerns regarding selective college enrollment have grown in the wake of high-profile university scandals and the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the use of race in admissions. A few institutions have begun to introduce direct admission programs, which automatically accepts students based on academic information such as GPA. Advocates for the policy say it can boost students’ confidence and help them understand they are college material. Though results are generally positive, it depends on the policy design.
Higher Ed. Dive
November 29, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
Highly selective universities are facing criticism concerning their early decision policies favoring affluent and wealthy students, and children of alumni and donors. Early decision demands a commitment to a university without revealing financial aid packages, hence perpetuating inequality through inconsideration of the financial affordability of students. Despite arguments to foster a more equitable and inclusive admission process, universities continue to maintain early decision policies to gain a competitive edge. There has been limited action to eliminate this policy, but some universities have said they will be reconsidering.
Higher Ed. Dive
November 14, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
There has been ongoing debate regarding university admissions considering legacy applicant status in admissions decisions. Many universities report conflicting information regarding their use, and definition, of legacy admissions consideration. Some policymakers, pundits and even college leaders have campaigned to end the practice since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions this summer, arguing it gives an unfair edge to wealthy and White applicants.