Enrollment declines threaten the economic futures of college towns

For many U.S. communities, the long-term viability of colleges and universities is critical. Cities and towns can start preparing, experts say.

By Danielle McLean • April 24, 2023

Two New York institutions permanently shift to test-optional admissions

SUNY and Vassar College each announced this week that they will keep the COVID-era change going forward.

By Laura Spitalniak • April 14, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Enrollment and Retention

A look at the pandemic's continuing impact on enrollment and how colleges can ensure students stay on course.

By Higher Ed Dive staff

Cannibalism as a way to increase enrollment

Colleges try to boost enrollment by recruiting students from other institutions, but it’s a declining pool, Ricardo Azziz argues.

By Ricardo Azziz • April 7, 2023

Medaille to become part of Trocaire, with both colleges citing enrollment issues

The private nonprofit institutions in New York are set to finalize the merger July 31, pending regulatory approvals.

By Laura Spitalniak • April 7, 2023

International applicants using the Common App increased by over a third

The biggest numbers came from China and India in the 2021-22 academic year, the organization reported.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • April 3, 2023

College applicants still aren’t submitting SAT, ACT scores at pre-pandemic levels

Only 4% of Common App’s member institutions required test scores for 2022-23, according to new data from the organization.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 30, 2023

Community college enrollments show uptick in spring 2023

First-year and dual enrollment students drove increases, according to preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 29, 2023

Calbright doubles enrollment in a year, passes 2,000 student mark

But after the online California community college’s rocky launch, the latest milestone left critics unimpressed.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 21, 2023

5 charts breaking down demographic trends in college transfer enrollment

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data shows mostly across-the-board declines — though there are hints of recovery.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 16, 2023

Upward transfer enrollment plummeted 14.5% since pandemic began

However, new National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data shows other types of transfers are on the rise.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 9, 2023

Performance-based funding linked to higher SAT scores in bottom quarter

Moderately selective colleges also saw enrollment declines among racial minorities the more they relied on the funding model, new research shows.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 8, 2023

Nondegree providers face high costs, challenges standing out in a crowded space, report finds

Researchers studied Coursera, Udemy and 2U to gain a better understanding of the nondegree market as a whole.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 3, 2023

Columbia University becomes first Ivy League institution to go permanently test-optional

The university said applicants will not be disadvantaged if they do not submit SAT or ACT scores.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 2, 2023

K-12 enrollment lagged projections by 2% in 2021, revealing college pipeline cracks

About 833,000 fewer public school seats were filled across the country, with several traditionally underserved demographics showing notable declines.

By Rick Seltzer • March 1, 2023

Most students interested in study abroad pick a college based on where they can travel

Colleges can make study abroad more accessible by sharing financial aid information, students said in a new survey.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 1, 2023

Rankings provider U.S. News buys college advising service

The publication known for its embattled Best Colleges rankings acquired CollegeAdvisor.com, it said Tuesday.

By Rick Seltzer • Feb. 21, 2023

Worries run high about digital credentials’ expense, academic degrees’ relevance for STEM jobs, survey finds

Credentials’ promise and possible pitfalls weigh on students and employees alike, finds survey based on 14,000 interviews in 13 countries.

By Rick Seltzer • Feb. 14, 2023

A year later, governor’s revitalization plan for SUNY still getting off the ground

Kathy Hochul wants to burnish some institutions’ research profiles and reverse the system’s declining enrollment to grow to 500,000 students.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Feb. 14, 2023

Size matters for surviving the enrollment drop

The largest colleges have been growing over the last decade, while enrollment shrank elsewhere.

By Ricardo Azziz • Feb. 13, 2023

Sweet Briar College’s president looks back on what it was like to take over a college on the brink of closing

Meredith Woo started at the women's college in 2017 after alumni refused to close it. She reflects on her tenure after announcing plans to leave in 2024.

By Lilah Burke • Feb. 10, 2023

Free college keeps growing — at the state level

Elected officials are calling for new programs and expansions. Policy wonks sometimes critique design choices, but free remains a powerful hook.

By Lilah Burke • Feb. 9, 2023

Students who met with counselors more likely to apply for college aid

Some 87% of 9th graders from 2009 who consulted with a school counselor completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, an NCES study found.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 8, 2023

What college administrators should keep tabs on in 2023

These are the trends, stories and key admissions topics that are expected to shape the year ahead.

By Higher Ed Dive Staff • Feb. 8, 2023

ABA panel deals a blow to test-optional push

The proposal isn’t dead yet, as another American Bar Association governing panel could unilaterally adopt policy changes.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Feb. 6, 2023

What can work colleges teach the rest of higher ed?

Amid high worries about higher ed's value in the job market, work colleges offer lessons on integrating classroom learning with employment opportunities.

By Laura Spitalniak • Updated Feb. 17, 2023