As the economy sinks, college enrollment numbers climb
By Jamie Christianson
Weak, scarce, bleak—call it what you want, and we’ve heard it all before—the current state of our economy is anything but burgeoning. Often compared to conditions as exorbitant as the Great Depression, it’s safe to say that people nationwide are scrambling. And they’re scrambling fast, as the layoff rate soars to record heights, breaking the ’90-’91 recession stats, with employers continuing to swing the axe.
Daily announcements are surround-sound as headlines from CNN to our local and national periodicals to the Web incessantly reveal the newest victims surrendering to the belt-tightening economy.
Families are seeking a quick turn-around solution for their impending and existing income challenges, and higher education ostensively fits the bill. A growth spurt of college enrollment numbers has taken place across the board, with Metropolitan State University smack dab in the middle, particularly feeling the boost.
“With layoffs as common as they are, people are going back to school,” says Monir Johnson, Director of Admissions. “We [at Metropolitan State] saw an increase after 2001 where several laid off employees went back to school for retraining and upgrading their skills—this is not uncommon; it’s because of the economic situation. Right now we’re sitting at the all-time unemployment rate.”
In comparison to last year’s spring semester enrollment, student FYEs (first year enrollment) at Metropolitan State have hiked up a conspicuous 14.6 percent jump for the spring semester of 2009. And the numbers won’t be decelerating anytime soon. At least until the economy cleans up its act.
“I would predict that from at least the next three to five years, we can expect enrollment increases. Our economic situation isn’t one that can be changed quickly,” adds Johnson. Shirlesia Hawkins-Dembley, Admissions Support Staff agrees. “The state of our economy is something that will be going on for awhile. People are looking for an alternative right now—they’re trying to find a decent job, and many employers out there require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, and that’s just a minimum!
“There’s not a whole lot out there, and it’s scary. Until the economy improves, education is the safest game out there.”
Although the economy is a significant trigger responsible for the student growth, Johnson also attributes the “Power of You” program to Metropolitan State’s rising success. The “Power of You” program offers eligible students a host of benefits, including covering the cost of two year’s worth (or 75 credits) of tuition and fees, and, according to Johnson, is attracting the traditional base of students.
“With the ‘Power of You’ program, I think that parents and newly-graduated high school students will be taking a look at education that’s more affordable and closer to home,” says Johnson. So, with the horizon steering clear of an enrollment sabbatical, will Metropolitan State come to a point where supply doesn’t meet demand?
“There is a challenge in front of us, the Chancellor has challenged the university to grow to 20,000 by the year 2020,” says Paul Hesterman, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “To some extent, growth by itself increases our resources because of the increase of tuition revenue, and growth is also rewarded in the MnSCU allocation formula.
“In a broad sense, more students means more tuition revenue, and more dollars for the state allocation. We are definitely going to be challenged now as we’re looking at enrollment increases for spring, and we will need to be creative as we think about how we’ll respond.”
Johnson believes that Metropolitan State’s growth strategy has what it takes to serve and meet the capacity of needs.
“Metropolitan State is very proactive with accommodating the needs with students and will provide them with resources to be successful,” says Johnson. Dr. Sue Hammersmith, President
of Metropolitan State University, sums it up best: “Education is a great investment, even in hard economic times. And in this environment, Metropolitan State’s quality education, small classes, and reasonable price are especially attractive.”