The increased competitive nature of higher education institutions has caused many small private liberal arts colleges/universities to struggle economically. The cost of keeping such institutions viable is high. Many institutions have had to raise tuitions rates, which resulted in decreased enrollment numbers. As a result, many institutions have…

Two years ago, Community College Research Center (CCRC) published a guide to help college leaders understand the costs involved in implementing guided pathways reforms. The guide was based on research at six community colleges, but only one of these was a smaller college. Small colleges lack economies of scale that can generate revenue to support…

When college officials across the country talk about their final tally of Fall 2012 enrollment, the discussions produce assessments that are all over the map. Some institutions, like Hampton University, are pleased to see their enrollment declining. Others, like Florida A&M University, are wondering how they are going to make up for revenue…

College administrators faced with declining enrollments must take a realistic approach and recognize the effect of any planned actions. Some financial warning signals are listed, and guidelines are offered to adjust management practices and philosophies to the enrollment trends. (Author)

Problems affecting the survival of private colleges, including declining enrollment, inflation, costs, efficiency, public attitude, and competition with public institutions for students and federal and state aid are discussed. Thoughts about planning for the future are presented, with focus on planning and support at the state level. (JMD)

Many colleges and universities are experiencing sharp declines in enrollment of students from Asian countries suffering from currency devaluations and economic turmoil. However, enhanced recruiting in other parts of the world and relatively high retention rates for already enrolled students from those countries have helped many institutions offset…

Recent high school graduates are one of Thomas Nelson Community College's (TNCC's) most important assets. From 1983 to 1985, the number and rate of enrollment of recent high school graduates changed dramatically. The total number of graduates in the service area declined 15.5%, from 4,540 in 1983 to 3,835 in 1985; while the number of service area…

If colleges are to avoid becoming mere self-perpetuating bureaucracies, administrators should dispel the notion that retrenchment in times of fiscal constraint must necessarily compromise institutional mission. Indeed, institutional mission is anchored in the rationale for a college's existence in the first place. Mission statements articulate…

The usefulness of marketing functions as they relate to higher education enrollment and financial problems is addressed, and proven marketing principles that have been violated by higher education decision-makers are considered. It is suggested that a college or university operation can be examined within the same context as any product…

Following an overview of the growth of publicly supported junior colleges in Colorado and corresponding state legislation and policies of the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, this paper presents the present position of the Board on issues of student access and the establishment and maintenance of community…

The development of policy to respond to reduction and financial exigency in higher education was studied, based on a survey of presidents of 19 public and 35 private colleges and universities. In addition to assessing policy development, the survey was directed to efforts to increase enrollments and revenue and to reduce expenditures and criteria…

The impact of demographic shifts and enrollment declines for higher education are examined, and possible institutional responses to these problems are studied. After a review of the national statistics and projections of future enrollment trends, attention is directed to the campus level and the dimensions of current enrollment problems. Based on…