An interesting thing is happening in higher education. It's beginning to be affected by the economic downturn. Typically, when the economy isn't doing well and people are getting laid off from work, they go back to school. Some pursue master's degrees, some finish college, some earn a certificate that advances their knowledge of a subject they already know. And more.
This economic downturn is different. Yes, students may be going back to school, but many are going back to community colleges. There was an interesting segment on msnbc/NBC a few weeks back, which talked about the number of Americans headed back to school to learn a new skill, which would hopefully increase their chances of finding employment down the road. The problem is that for the first time in a long time, community colleges were significantly short on funding to service these students (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29375476/).
And now colleges and universities across the U.S. are beginning to see the impact of the recession/depression. Deposits for incoming freshman and new students are way down, for many schools. This isn't a reflection on the institutions themselves, this is a reflection, in my opinion, of the economic uncertainty we're all facing.
May 1st will be an interesting day. It's essentially the universal date in higher ed when deposits are due if students plan to enroll. I personally think families are waiting until the last possible minute to make a decision, because these days it's less about where you go, and more what you can afford. That said, I still believe that if families are going to spend money on higher ed, they want to feel like their money is being well spent. That means value for the dollar, and I think many schools are under the gun.
I can't speak for other schools or programs, but I can speak for my own. I think Suffolk is a great university. Sure, it has it's moments, they all do. but overall, the faculty and staff are there for the students, genuinely. As part of the higher ed program, I think this particular department is so well-done, kudos to it. I couldn't ask for more in terms of exposure and learning. If every program was as solid as my own, I don't think enrollment would be an issue. But that's just me. Happy Easter if you celebrate it.
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