New Study Calls for Urgent Action on Declining College Enrollment in Massachusetts, Highlights Affordability Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 14, 2023
CONTACT: John Guerra - j.guerra@hildrethinstitute.org - (617) 752-3701
Boston, MA — Building on its extensive research into the challenges facing higher education, the Hildreth Institute today released a groundbreaking report titled , “Seizing the Opportunity: Reversing Enrollment Declines in Higher Education.” The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of higher education enrollment in Massachusetts. The Hildreth Institute also developed an accompanying policy brief which includes a range of policy options along with their respective advantages and disadvantages for decision-makers interested in creating an ambitious equity-centered higher education strategy.
The report underscores a growing concern over declining college enrollment rates, primarily driven by persistent issues of college affordability. “As Massachusetts experiences growing demand for a college-educated workforce, the state faces the urgent issue of declining college enrollment rates, driven primarily by an enduring crisis of college affordability.” said Hiba Agha, lead author of the report and Director of Strategic Initiative at Hildreth Institute.
According to the report, state funding cuts and disinvestment in scholarship aid are discouraging many potential students from considering higher education, particularly among students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. This decline poses significant risks to workforce development, economic growth, and the vitality of educational institutions in the state.
"In Massachusetts, we are privileged to witness a robust consensus among the executive branch, legislature, and administration, underscoring that higher education remains a top priority. Amid declining college attendance and challenges from the recent affirmative action ban, it's imperative to act boldly.” stated Dr. Bahar Akman Imboden, Managing Director of the Hildreth Institute. “We are confident that, led by our new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner of Higher Education, and backed by our steadfast legislature, we will usher in a transformative era of public higher education – affordable, accessible, and inclusive for all.”
Key findings:
Increased High School Graduation Rates Yet Lower College Enrollment Rates: Massachusetts has seen a rise in high school graduation rates transcending racial and socio-economic categories. This establishes a pipeline of a larger and diverse pool of potential college students, with approximately 5,000 more graduates compared to 2012. However, immediate college enrollment has decreased by 10 percentage points: from 73% in 2015-16 to 63% in 2020-21, particularly impacting students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
Had enrollment rates remained comparable to those of 2015-16, an additional 6,651 high school graduates would have entered college immediately after graduating in the 2020-2021 academic year.
Racial Disparities in Enrollment to College Right After High School Graduation:
Hispanic high school grads saw the largest decline in immediate college enrollment, dropping 18 percentage points from 57% in 2015-16 to 39% in 2021-22.
Black students' enrollment rates fell 14 percentage points, from 70% to 56%.
Multi-racial students experienced a 13-point decline, from 72% to 59%.
Economically disadvantaged and high-need students also faced significant drops in enrollment, by 14 and 15 percentage points, respectively.
Economic Inequality Worsens Decline in Immediate College Enrollment Post-High School:
The gap in college enrollment between low-income and affluent high school graduates has widened from a 21-point difference in 2017 to 30 points.
Currently, 43% of low-income students enroll in college immediately after high school, versus 73% of more affluent students.
The growing divide suggests that high college costs are a significant barrier for low-income students.
Community Colleges Hit Hardest: Enrollment at in-state colleges and universities has declined, while out-of-state institutions have remained stable. Community colleges, serving minority and low-income students, have experienced the most significant loss.
Decline in Overall College Attendance: Beyond immediate enrollment, overall college attendance has decreased at the state’s community colleges and universities, particularly among minority groups. Black and Hispanic students saw steeper declines in community college and state university enrollment.
Rising Non-Completion Rates: The observed decline in student populations at community colleges and state universities extends beyond just a reduction in freshman enrollments. Our findings suggest an increasing trend of students not completing their degrees, emphasizing the pivotal role that affordability plays in this trend.
"The data underscores a crisis of affordability in higher education in Massachusetts," said Hiba Agha, lead author of the report and Director of Strategic Initiative at Hildreth Institute, "If not addressed, this will have far-reaching implications not just for individual families but for the economy and society at large."
Urgent Call for State Action
The Hildreth Institute report goes beyond diagnosing the problem, offering actionable recommendations to the state for tackling the affordability crisis. These include re-investing in high-quality public higher education and reforming the financial aid programs, focusing on students' unmet financial needs to expand the state commitment to a debt-free college education.
In addition, the authors of the report also developed an accompanying policy brief which includes a range of policy options along with their respective advantages and disadvantages for decision-makers interested in creating an ambitious equity-centered higher education strategy.
These recommendations include:
Streamline Financial Aid: Unify existing grants and scholarships into larger, simpler financial aid programs to cover students' full "unmet financial need," including living expenses and textbooks.
Reevaluate Last-dollar Grants: Move away from the "last-dollar" grant approach that unfairly impacts low-income students.
Expand Debt-Free Commitment: Develop a comprehensive strategy that promotes equitable access across all educational levels and institutions, including 4-year degrees.
Provide comprehensive student support services: Invest in student support services to meet the needs of a changing students’ population and to ensure retention and success.
Equity in Admissions: Discontinue practices like legacy admissions and early decision policies that perpetuate socio-economic and racial disparities.
Community and High School Engagement: Partner with community organizations and high schools for targeted outreach and enhanced counseling services.
Conclusion
"The decline in enrollment presents an urgent problem, but it also presents an unparalleled opportunity. With the Fair Share Amendment, we have the means to enact groundbreaking reforms," said Bahar Akman Imboden, Managing Director, at the Hildreth Institute. "The time to act is now. The state must commit to increased funding for public higher education and investment in financial aid to pave the way for affordable, equitable, and effective higher education."
About the Hildreth Institute
The Hildreth Institute is a research and policy center dedicated to restoring the promise of higher education as an engine of upward mobility for all. We are committed to fixing the broken college financing system by promoting innovative policy solutions at the federal and state levels, in order to invest in higher education while eliminating the burden of student debt. We research, develop, and promote solutions for changes in public policies and institutional financial practices that will reduce costs to students and improve quality. Learn more at hildrethinstitute.org.
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To access the full report click here.
To access the policy brief click here.
To access the fact sheet here.