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

“What we are seeing is a great deal of anxiety and confusion on the part of parents as they try to navigate today’s economic uncertainty,” describes Longmire. “The good news for colleges, and for students, is that the study points out some specific actions colleges can take that will help make higher education a reality for many students.”

Specifically, the study shed a light on one of the areas of most concern to parents as the lack of understanding they have on available financial aid. As the parent of one respondent describe it as “…a labyrinth or maze without any end. We have filled out forms, gone online, even talked to the counselors at school but I still don’t have a clear understanding of what, if anything, my child might qualify for.”

Some schools will actually fare better in these difficult times, Longmire predicts. “Colleges that provide the highest level of customer service out of their financial aid and admissions offices stand the best chance of enrolling the highest percentage of students they’ve admitted,” he noted. “In this period of economic uncertainty and stress, families are simply demanding an unprecedented level of advice and counsel on financing a college education."

In many instances, researchers encountered families with heart-rending tales of depleted savings, job loss and extreme anxiety. As one concerned parent participant said, “Please, please share this information with our nation’s leaders so they know how hard it is for families with college-aged kids. We lost half our retirement and most of our education fund. My daughter has worked so hard for this goal. What are we to do?”

Longmire & Co, Inc. is a leader in the field of enrollment management with a 22 year history of marketing, research and consulting in the college marketplace. Having worked with over 200 public and private four year institutions throughout the United States, Longmire & Co., Inc. provides enrollment managers with the tools and information they need to grow and control enrollment, as well as retain the students they have.