Independent Higher Education Enrollment Outlook
Unforeseen and uncertain are the two best words to describe the past two years. COVID-19 has negatively impacted many areas, including college enrollment.
According to npr.org, enrollment numbers have been down 6.6% since the fall of 2019. Students are uninterested in spending the money to go to a college or university if they are not receiving the full experience they are hoping for.
Npr.org also states, with unemployment being down, it is easy for young adults to find a job that has a high wage, but requires little skill.
Although there may seem to be many valid reasons to “skip college,” especially on the heels of a pandemic, receiving a degree will lead you to many more opportunities throughout your lifetime.
Earn 75% More Income with a Bachelor’s Degree
The graph above shows how having a higher education leaves less room for unemployment.
Research has shown for many years that people who go to college make more money over their lifetime compared to those who do not. A study from Georgetown University found bachelor's degree holders were found to "earn a median of $2.8 million during their career, 75% more than if they had only a high school diploma."
OFIC President Bill Spiker observes, “Success is measured in so many ways for OFIC graduates. The stats show the dramatic and positive financial benefits of a bachelor's degree. That alone is a motivator, but there’s so much more that comes from graduating from an independent campus. Our alumni are more engaged in civic activity and community involvement, they vote at higher levels, they are more adaptable in times of economic uncertainty and times of growth as we are anticipating here in Ohio. Bottom line, having a degree is a great way to protect your economic future and a pathway to lead your best life!”
“Bachelor’s degree holders were found to earn a median of $2.8 million during their career, 75% more than if they had only a high school diploma.”
Many students also fear they will be paying too much money for a mediocre college experience. The first year of Covid-19 was full of uncertainty and doubt, especially for universities. Since then, faculty have become more sufficient in online learning. Many colleges are also offering programs that are designed to be online, making the learning process easier for students.
Hear from Kaylee, an OFIC Scholar
Kaylee Klepper, a risk management insurance major at the University of Mount Union says COVID-19 has actually helped her for her future by learning how a virtual workplace can be just as professional as having an in-person job.
“I had an internship that was almost completely online, and if I hadn’t gotten used to the structure of my [online] classes, I definitely wouldn’t have been prepared for that,” Klepper said.
“Kaylee is not alone in her experience. Workers across the country have adapted to a changing workplace. And while our campuses have been back to in-person instruction for over a year, the growth in online, remote and virtual experiences are very transferable,” continued Spiker.
College can be a challenging, large investment, and OFIC believes every student that enrolls at a member campus deserves the opportunity to complete their college education, no matter your background. In a recent study released by the National Center for Education Statistics, numbers showed independent, private campuses had higher percentages of success than public universities.
People with a higher education were less concerned about unemployment during a pandemic.
OFIC connects corporate, foundation, and individual donors to students with financial need. This connection is an investment that changes lives and has a direct local impact on the pool of talent in corporate Ohio’s pipeline.
Ian Lu, a computer science major from John Carroll university, is very thankful for the Lynden Family Scholarship he has been awarded through OFIC.
“For this is the true gift that this scholarship provides, not only is it a wonderful opportunity to relieve financial stress, but it is a reminder to keep pushing forward and strive for nothing short of perfection,” Lu said.
Our OFIC campuses offer a fit for everyone as some are larger and some are smaller. Regardless of which of our 33 campuses you decide to attend, you will receive a quality education in an environment that is supportive and personalized. Our faculty are in the classroom, laboratory, studio, and stage. You can continue and develop new interests in sports, organizations, and activities on campus that are truly transformative. The entire campus community will literally and figuratively cheer you on for your successes on campus and beyond as alumni. You will form relationships that will last a lifetime and which will add to your business and social life. And, that ‘campus fit’ can make all the difference while you’re in college and throughout your career and life.
Deciding to enroll in higher education is a big decision. With the help of OFIC, the transition into college can be a breeze. Make an impact on a student’s future, give today.
