New Study Details Impact of Economic Crisis on College Enrollment: Report Drives Colleges to Ramp Up Services

Kansas City, MO, April 22, 2009 — Over 70% of students in the 2009 freshman college class may be looking at big changes in their education plans due to economic pressures, according to a nationwide study released today by Longmire & Co., Inc, an educational consulting firm. Nearly half of the families participating in the study say they will definitely modify their children's college plans and another 26% are in a state of flux because of the uncertainty surrounding the economy. Adding to their anxiety is an overall frustration in understanding the complexities of the financial aid system, the study showed.

More than 22 public and private institutions from across the country participated in the Economic Impact on College Enrollment study. Both large and small colleges were represented and only families of students already expressing an interest in college attendance were surveyed. In total, the students represented all 50 states and a wide range of socio-economic classes.

Only 28% of the participants could answer that their college plans had not been influenced by the current economic situation. Conversely, 46% said that their plans are being modified; ranging from “somewhat” to “drastically.” The remaining 26% expressed uncertainty as to the impact of the economy on their college plans.

“We have been surveying prospective students for over 20 years and have never seen such dramatic shifts in thinking,” said Robert Longmire, president of Longmire & Co., Inc. “Higher education institutions will need to retool their recruitment and financial aid departments if they are to remain competitive in this environment.”

Topping the list of likely changes facing this year’s freshman class: attending a less expensive college; a heavier reliance on financial aid; attending an in-state institution or one that is closer to home; working while attending school; living at home. Borrowing more heavily to finance their child’s higher education is a viable option cited by 38% of respondents. With 24% of respondents, consideration is being given to switch from the private school that topped their list to enrolling in a lesser-cost public university. Another 11% are considering enrolling in a community college where prices are generally much lower instead of the 4-year institution originally on their radar screen.