PPB June 2021

Co l l eges And Un i ve r s i t i es Market Snapshot COVID-19 continues to weigh heavily on the minds of today’s college students, with 86 percent saying they worry about the disease, according to a poll by New America and Third Way. Major universities such as Cornell, Duke, Notre Dame and Rutgers have mandated COVID-19 vaccines for students returning to campus this fall. Whether or not schools require vaccinations, they can use promotional products to educate students about how to stay safe and healthy on campus. Items like face coverings and touch-free devices make helpful giveaways at dorms, student union buildings and bookstores. To help attract students back to campus or to enroll in online learning, schools can also turn to promotional campaigns to highlight specific programs and resources. For example, many schools are offering more eight-week courses instead of traditional semester-long classes to give students a faster route to a degree. Promotional campaigns can help educate students about their choices. With community colleges, plenty of opportunities exist to promote associate degrees in technical fields where they do not face competition from four-year institutions. These schools can mail promotional products such as pennants or flags with information on degrees not commonly offered at four-year schools. How Much Does College Cost? Here’s a look at average tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year: • Public, in-state schools: $9,687 • Public, out-of-state schools: $21,184 • Private: $35,087 Source: U.S. News & World Report A Closer Look At Enrollment Declines In spring 2021, enrollment was down across every student grouping compared to spring 2020. • Enrollment among men declined 7.1 percent, while enrollment among women declined 4.5 percent • Enrollment among traditional college-age students (ages 18-24) declined 5.3 percent • Enrollment among students ages 25-29 declined 3.5 percent, while enrollment among students age 29 and older decreased 2.1 percent • Enrollment among dual-enrollment high school students decreased 2.7 percent Source: National Student Clearinghouse Research Center Top Reasons Students Attend College Learners enroll in colleges and universities for many different reasons. Here’s what matters most to today’s college students: • Gaining credentials to pursue a desired career: 59% • Gaining experience or knowledge in a certain area: 54% • Helping choose a future career: 42% • Being exposed to new ideas and different perspectives: 34% • Developing specific skills: 32% • Learning how to work and live with different types of people: 23% Source: A study from College Pulse and the Charles Koch Foundation Men Remain The Minority Female college students outnumbered male college enrollees for the first time in 1979—and have consistently outnumbered them ever since. In 2020, 11.3 million women enrolled in colleges and universities, compared to just 8.5 million men. Source: BestColleges.com 60 | JUNE 2021 | GROW