Stevens Strategy

Just the Facts: A new report from the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, examines whether dual enrollment helps students earn college degrees. Among high school students who went straight to college, 36% of those with dual enrollment credits completed a bachelor's degree within four years, compared to 34% without. While this difference is small, the impact is notably stronger among Black students: 29% with dual enrollment credits graduated in four years, versus only 18% without—a 50% increase. Barriers to dual enrollment, particularly for minority students, include limited advising or guidance to enroll in these classes and some high costs. As more states consider dual enrollment to strengthen communities, can Higher Ed leaders use it as a tool to increase enrollment? To read the full report: https://lnkd.in/etV3qaN3

News: To attract students, three New England colleges have pledged free tuition to qualifying residents in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and Saint Anselm College (NH) each offer some form of free tuition. At UMass campuses, eligible students must reside in Massachusetts and have a total adjusted gross income under $75,000. At Saint Anselm, the offer applies to New Hampshire students with family incomes below $100,000 and a GPA of 3.25 or higher. While these initiatives present valuable opportunities for students to pursue higher education, “free” tuition isn’t cost-free for everyone. Cape Cod Community College saw a 25% enrollment spike following Massachusetts' 2023 legislation granting free tuition at community colleges. However, the influx has exacerbated long-standing issues: faculty and staff report being overworked and underpaid. In fact, full-time teachers at Cape Cod Community would earn nearly $18,000 more annually teaching at nearby Barnstable High School (Cape Cod Times). What additional factors, such as the burden on faculty and staff, should be considered as states seek to increase enrollment and challenge the common perception that higher education is too expensive? (Photo from UMass Boston) To learn more: https://www.umb.edu/free/ https://lnkd.in/e3SDvtQr https://lnkd.in/er4QZK_d

Just the Facts: Applications to graduate business programs in the U.S. increased by 8.1% for the 2024-25 academic year compared to the previous year, according to a new survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The biggest jump was seen in two-year, full-time MBA programs, with 72% of institutions offering these programs reporting an increase in applications. With GMAT scores valid for five years after the test date, is this spike driven by applicants from the "COVID Summer" of 2020 capitalizing on their scores, or is it a sign of things to come for the MBA and other graduate business programs? To read the full report: https://lnkd.in/esed8gcE

Just the Facts: New data from the National Student Clearinghouse reveals a significant decline in first-year college enrollment, particularly among traditional 18- and 19-year-olds. Since COVID-19, many institutions have focused on recruiting non-traditional students, such as adult learners and international students, to address enrollment challenges. Given this recent trend, what is your institution's plan for refocusing on high school seniors while maintaining efforts to attract non-traditional students?

Just the Facts: The ACT recently released aggregate data for 2023-2024 test-takers, revealing a decline in average composite scores for the fifth consecutive year. Since 2019, the average score has dropped from 20.6 to 19.4. This consistent decline raises concerns about high school students' preparedness amidst the changing landscape of college admissions. As many colleges reinstate standardized test requirements, how might these lower scores impact admissions strategies?

Just the Facts: A new analysis from Fitch Ratings highlights the widening enrollment gap between public and selective private colleges, which are experiencing steady growth, and their non-selective counterparts, who are struggling with enrollment declines. While efforts to target non-traditional students, such as international markets and adult learners, have helped slow this trend, the broader economy continues to play a significant role. The report suggests that slowing consumer spending and rising debt-to-income levels may reduce households' ability and willingness to take on additional student loans, especially for adult learners. With economic pressures potentially limiting access to higher education, how should non-selective institutions adapt their strategies to stay competitive and support students' financial needs? To read the full report: https://lnkd.in/e9gar2Jw

A new report from the State of Tennessee reviews their free community college program, launched 10 years ago. In 2011, only 16% of Tennessee students who started community college earned an associate degree within three years. By 2024, that number had risen to over 27%, a 68% increase. While it's unclear if the free college program is the direct cause of this improvement, over 90% of high school graduates apply for the program each year. Currently, 36 states offer some form of free or reduced community college. In a time where the value of higher education is being questioned, could widespread access to free college reshape how students view higher education' value? How so? To read the full report from TNAchieves: https://lnkd.in/eF9Q--DP

Just the Facts: A new brief by HigherEdDive examines the S&P's financial reports on higher education. The report reveals that between 2018 and 2023, operating margin rates decreased from 0.8% to -0.1% due to rising costs faced by colleges. Simultaneously, median tuition discount rates at private colleges increased by over 5 percentage points, reaching 44.4% during, while campuses have also seen a rise in operational costs over this period. How can our institutions adapt their financial strategies to address these challenges while maintaining educational quality? For those institutions that still assistance, we are ready to help. To read more: https://lnkd.in/e49wFDxs

Just the Facts: According to ACE's latest brief on first-year students’ college attendance decisions, four key factors significantly influence their choices: the reputations of colleges and their programs. This highlights the importance of effectively marketing our institutions and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. What strategies is your campus using to promote its programs reputation and engage potential new students? To read the full brief: https://lnkd.in/eVG8Wr3f

Stevens Strategy's latest blog, written by Financial Expert and Senior Consultant Mike Townsley, explores the immediate steps a college should take when it has depleted its cash reserves and cannot secure short-term loans—or, simply, when a college is facing a financial crisis. If you college is facing an immediate crisis or is short on cash, please reach out. We are here to assist you. To read this and more of Mike's insights on higher education finance: https://lnkd.in/epHvjqB2