Speculation has run wild this year on the potential spike in enrollment community colleges were likely to see due to the recession. Many predicted high spikes in enrollment in two-year schools and a drop in enrollment at more expensive private institutions. To back up the rumors, Pew Research announced this week that enrollment in higher ed is at an all time high, due in large part to a surge in enrollment in two-year community colleges.
The research shows that in 2007 10.8% of all 16-24 year olds were enrolled at a two-year community college, and in 2008, that number rose to 11.8%. In addition, enrollment numbers at private four-year institutions held steady, despite hikes in tuition and costs that exceeded inflation by 4.9%.
The record number of enrollments across the board was also promising. As author Richard Fry noted, "just
under 11.5 million students, or 39.6% of all young adults ages 18 to
24, were enrolled in either a two- or four-year college in October 2008
(the most recent date for which comprehensive nationwide data are
available). Both figures -- the absolute number as well as the share --
are at their highest level ever."
We
wonder what these numbers will show when we have accurate data from
2009. Given anecdotal evidence from community colleges nationwide, we
expect these numbers will continue to rise sharply.
For more information on the research and to view all of the results, see the report online.
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