Insider Higher Ed released its 2017 Survey of College and University Admissions Directors today. The story remains bleak, with only 34 percent of colleges meeting new student enrollment targets this year by May 1 (down from 37 percent a year ago and 42 percent two years ago).
The survey was conducted in partnership with Gallup and lists a variety of reasons why colleges and universities are struggling to meet their targets. According to the results, a wide range of factors are influencing enrollment, including a focus on securing full-pay students, the travel ban affecting international recruiting, concerns over student social media personas, student debt and one big glaring issue—an “image problem” for colleges that is impacting enrollment patterns.
Whether working with MIT Sloan, Northeastern University, Bentley University, Lehigh University, Landmark College or Bunker Hill Community College, BG has witnessed first-hand why institutions (regardless of size and stature) struggle with achieving target enrollment and matriculated students.
Higher education is a competitive space. It’s nearly the equivalent of a Ultimate Fighting match when it comes to clamoring for the attention of perspective students. Add the challenges mentioned above along with antiquated enrollment models, lack of data insights and fractured internal collaboration, many colleges and universities are facing an uphill climb.
