Recently Inside Higher Ed conducted its annual survey in conjunction with researchers from Gallup and collected information from 406 admissions, enrollment and student recruitment directors. The results of the surveys showed that 61 percent of them failed to meet the enrollment goals by May 1. The report stated further that about 32 percent of the enrollment directors responded that they continued and actively recruited applicants way beyond May 1, even though these students have made up their mind to attend the institution of their choice. The condition is even worrisome for the so-called private colleges where the enrollment targets were missed by 71%.
Based on AAEA’s previous studies, the Association is not surprise at all to find out that the Gallup survey results confirmed AAEA’s previous findings and analyses which were shared to the American public more than a year ago. As of today, there are 760 (Yes, you are right seven hundred and sixty) unfilled positions under the admissions and enrollment category listed on the site. If you have the exceptional skills to help one of these institutions to hit their enrollment target, you probably could find a spot. If demand for higher education services are declining while college freshmen recruitment intensifies, perhaps, college down sizing cannot be avoided! This is another proof that Adam Smith’s invisible hand is working to correct the market.