Higher Ed. Dive
October 13, 2021 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The average composite score fell from 20.6 to 20.3 compared to last year. Average scores dropped in every racial and ethnic groups except Asian and American-Indian/Alaskan Native students. For fall 2022, more than 1,780 institutions have moved to test-optional or test-free admissions. Fewer students who used the Common App submitted admissions scores in the last academic year, of which the lowest reporting rates were from students in the bottom quintile of the median household.
Inside Higher Ed
October 05, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Congressional Democrats’ social spending plan expects to face cuts as moderates in the Senate do not support the high prices. Low and moderate income students could be subject to added taxes for non-tuition related costs. The budget reconciliation bill includes a provision that would allow students to use their Pell grant for these expenses without additional tax liability. However, the provision has an uncertain future as lawmakers decide where to cut costs.
Inside Higher Ed
September 13, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Research
Political party, age and income level play a role in whether Americans believe a bachelor’s degree is worth the time and money. Wealthy and college-educated Americans are more likely to find a college degree worth it. Similarly, Democrats are more in favor of college degrees than Republicans. Gen Z and millennials are more likely to believe that college is worth the investment compared to Gen X and baby boomers.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
September 08, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Increased spending on Financial Aid is key to keeping low-income students enrolled. Conveying to students that there is financial support can make a big difference. Some colleges are promising free tuition to low-income students without requiring loans. Making students feel welcome also matters a lot. Additionally, creating career development opportunities for students is beneficial.
Inside Higher Ed
August 31, 2021 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
A new report finds equity gaps in transfer rates during the pandemic. Colleges and universities lost about 191,500 students between July 2020 and June 2021. The report also found racial inequities in upward transfer enrollment, and major differences in upward transfer rates. A more granular breakdown of upward transfer enrollment reveals deepening racial and gender gaps.
Inside Higher Ed
August 20, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success, Value and Affordability
Withholding college credits from students because of outstanding balances has long-lasting negative effects on students, especially low-income students and students of color. Authors of a study argue that withheld transcripts are a racial and socioeconomic equity problem that delays or prevents students from graduating. It also hinders career opportunities that would help them earn enough money to pay their institutional debts. Universities are exploring alternatives to tackle this problem.
Inside Higher Ed
August 17, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
While many students are optimistic about a new beginning, they are struggling with mental health and academic challenges created by the pandemic. Fifty-three percent of first-year students reported a substantial increase in mental and emotional exhaustion. Students also reported increased depression, loneliness, and hopelessness. Institutions have expanded their mental health services as students have had difficulty accessing these services throughout the pandemic.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 04, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
The COVID health crisis forced colleges to abruptly close campuses to in-person services last year and return key auxiliary dollars such as rent from student housing. Institutions also had to build digital infrastructure for online coursework, often with a high price tag. Compared to last year, federal relief funding has cushioned some budgetary concerns this year; however, many institutions are planning to increase tuition to make up for financial stresses brought about by the pandemic.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
August 02, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Last year, the U.S. government reported an 18% drop in overall student-visa holders and a 72% decrease in new enrollments in 2020. Students and families worry about cost of tuition, safety, and immigration policies, and are questioning the value of an American degree. If America ultimately cedes its place as the world leader in international education, that will affect diplomacy, the economy, and the health of colleges and universities nationwide.
Inside Higher Ed
August 03, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
A new statement decries state-level restrictions barring colleges from requiring vaccination against COVID-19 or other public health measures such as mask wearing or surveillance testing, as many of the restrictions directly contradict current guidance from the CDC. More than 600 colleges nationwide have mandated COVID-19 vaccination for students and employees, but many are facing legislation that will not allow a vaccine requirement or other public health measures on campus.