College enrollment rises in Fall 2023, marking first increase since COVID-19.
OAN’s James Meyers
10:12 AM – Thursday, October 26, 2023
A new report suggests that college enrollment in the United States has experienced a positive shift for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center has reported a 2.1% increase in undergraduate student enrollment in 2023 compared to the previous school year.
The data from the report reveals a significant 4.4% rise in community college enrollment, which accounts for nearly 60% of the overall increase in undergraduate students.
Furthermore, there has been a 9.9% increase in enrollment for non-degree programs among undergraduates and a 3.6% increase in associate’s degree programs.
“This is great news for community colleges and for the growing numbers of continuing and returning students who had lost momentum from the start of the pandemic,” stated Douglas Shapiro, the executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
However, the report also highlights a 3.6% decline in freshman enrollment, which is a significant change compared to the 4.6% increase observed a year ago.
“The initial recovery among freshmen last year appears to have stalled, as more 18-to 20-year-olds, especially at four-year institutions, are opting out,” Shapiro explained.
Additionally, the report indicates that the increase in enrollment is largely driven by Black, Hispanic, and Asian students, while White student enrollment has decreased by almost 1%.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
45th President Donald Trump officially added his name to the New Hampshire ballot by paying the one thousand dollar fee on Monday.
Illegal immigration remains a pressing issue, and the ongoing conflict in Israel may exacerbate these problems and more.
Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson has been elected as Speaker of the House, while Judge Engoron has fined Trump for exercising his freedom of speech.
Efforts are underway to negotiate the release of civilians who have been kidnapped by Hamas.
Malaysia’s communications regulator plans to issue a warning to social media platforms TikTok and Meta for allegedly censoring pro-Palestinian content.
The fraud trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried began with opening statements from his lawyers on Thursday.
Microsoft is leading the race to profit from generative AI, thanks to early investments in OpenAI and a focus on large clients, surpassing Alphabet.
Apple has raised the subscription prices for Apple TV+ and Apple News+.
rnrn
How has freshman enrollment been affected and what factors contribute to this decline, as mentioned in the report?
Email inbox by subscribing to our newsletter here.
In conclusion, the new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center brings positive news for college enrollment in the United States. After experiencing a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, undergraduate student enrollment has seen a 2.1% increase in the 2023 school year compared to the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by a significant rise of 4.4% in community college enrollment.
The report also highlights a positive trend in non-degree programs, with a 9.9% increase in enrollment, and in associate’s degree programs, with a 3.6% increase. These figures indicate that students are continuing their education and pursuing different paths to meet their career goals.
Douglas Shapiro, the executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, expressed his optimism about the findings, stating, “This is great news for community colleges and for the growing numbers of continuing and returning students who had lost momentum from the start of the pandemic.”
However, the report also reveals a concerning trend of declining freshman enrollment, with a 3.6% decline observed. This is a significant change compared to the 4.6% increase observed the previous year. Shapiro explains that more 18-to 20-year-olds, especially at four-year institutions, are opting out of college, causing this decline.
Another noteworthy observation from the report is the demographic shift in enrollment. While Black, Hispanic, and Asian students have seen increased enrollment, White student enrollment has decreased by almost 1%. This highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure equal access and opportunities for all students, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
Overall, the increase in college enrollment, particularly in community colleges and non-degree programs, is a positive sign of recovery after the challenges faced during the pandemic. However, the decline in freshman enrollment and the disparity among different racial groups remind us of the need for ongoing support and strategies to address the barriers that certain students may face in pursuing higher education.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Now loading...