Stevens Strategy

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

Just the Facts: Competencies for the College Presidency A national survey by Academic Search, Competencies for the College Presidency: A Study of Effective Leadership in Higher Education, highlights the qualities needed for one of the most complex roles in America — a college president. Over 90% of respondents identified three essential skills for presidential success: (1) trustworthiness, (2) resiliency, and (3) effective communication. As college campuses become increasingly diverse, presidents must balance multiple roles while staying true to their core values. What skills and traits do you think define great college presidents?

Just the Facts: The 2024 Healthy Minds Study provides a detailed look at mental health in college student populations. The survey found that while 1 in 5 students often feel left out, lacking companionship, and isolated, over 50% say they know where to turn for help. The challenge is ensuring they actually use the available resources. What is your campus doing to encourage students to seek the mental health support you offer? To read the full report: https://lnkd.in/e8Db7bHj

Just the Facts: According to the Campus Climate Network, students at six major research institutions have found a correlation between $100 million in donations from prominent oil corporations and increased pro-oil academic articles. While donations like this are vital to the institution's ability to conduct research, this is an important reminder to ensure your institution has proper systems and checks to maintain fair and equitable research. What systems does your institution use to uphold research integrity? https://lnkd.in/eVab4q3d