Despite Poor Economy, College Enrollment Numbers Increase

With high unemployment numbers and jobs scarce, college enrollment is the highest it has been in recent years. Unable to find work, recent high school graduates are furthering their education in hopes to find a better paying job when they graduate college. Recently laid off workers are learning new skills to advance in their former career or to learn a new career. According to the United States Department of Education, community college enrollment was up ten percent from 2000 to 2006.

This increase in college enrollment numbers is not specific to certain types of areas; enrollment is up across the nation in both rural and urban colleges. As areas are hit with layoffs and hiring freezes, and cost of living rises, unemployed workers are turning to education as a means to get a better job after they graduate. Studies of projected job growth show that nearly 35% of new jobs in the next ten years will require college degrees. With the job market becoming more competitive, workers need new skills and a degree to gain a significant edge among other job applicants.

There has been a surge of financial aid available to college students, especially to single mothers. Many students are able to get their tuition and books almost free or completely free so it makes financial sense to attend college now and wait to get a better job in a few years. While it is true that people are spending less in the economy, they are still spending wisely. Spending on a college education is a wise investment as it will mean a higher income for a lifetime.

With an increase in the number of laid off workers, there are more people who have the time to attend college. When working full time, it’s difficult to take college courses and still have time for family. Once you are laid off, you have more time to take classes and hopefully find a better job once you graduate. Older, nontraditional students are returning to college at a much higher rate due to being laid off from their job.

Community colleges and public schools are seeing high enrollment increases than private schools. Private schools have a much higher tuition cost and most students live on campus. With community college, students can live at home and save money. Two year programs will also allow the student to reenter the workforce in less time than a traditional four year degree. Public universities and community colleges not only have lower tuition costs, but also more financial aid available through the state. In rough economic times, students are seeking more financial aid to help them defray the cost of higher education.

College classrooms are getting more diverse with the down economy. Unemployment is at a higher percentage in minority populations. When facing unemployment or the choice to go back to college, many minorities are choosing continuing their education.

Online classes and universities have seen a recent increase in enrollment. Taking a class online at a convenient time means more people can attend classes. Online college tend to be cheaper than traditional colleges because of less overhead costs. Online universities also have more competition because location is not a factor in deciding to enroll. The increased competition also helps keep costs low and increases college enrollment numbers.

Parents of prospective students are planning more to be able to afford college. Some are taking out more loans or switching their plans for their children to attend a less expensive school. As these parents are the ones that lost their savings in the bad economy, they are being pickier about where to spend their money. They are being more active in finding scholarships for their children and applying for more financial aid than ever before. With the mortgage crisis just a few years behind us, parents are either unable or unwilling to use their homes to finance their children’s educations. This can also mean a lower priced school for younger students who rely on their parents to help pay for expenses.

Loans are harder to get even for higher education. This means many prospective students just can’t afford to attend expensive private schools. Many students and their parents don’t want to take out extra loans in the uncertain economy, so there is less money to spend on tuition. This is another factor leading to increased college enrollment numbers in community college and public universities.

Despite a poor economical outlook, college enrollment numbers are increasing. Community colleges are seeing the highest increase, followed by public colleges. Private universities are seeing their enrollment stay stable or increase slightly. More financial aid is making a college education more affordable to many students. Older workers are being laid off and now have more time to go back to school. They have the hopes that a degree will help them earn more money and give them an edge over other job applicants.

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