Utah Colleges Show Dip In Enrollment

None by Eric Ray

State Economy Could Be To Blame

(KCPW News) Enrollment in the state's public colleges and universities is dropping, and experts say Utah's red-hot economy is partly to blame.

According to the Utah Commission on Higher Education, enrollment among 18 to 24 year-olds in Utah's public colleges and universities dropped seven percent from 1992 to 2006. Salt Lake Community College President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau says the school's head count remains steady, but the number of full time students is down 10% with the fall semester approaching.

Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Kendell says when the economy is robust, potential students tend to work to earn money. They'll return to school when the economy dips.

Kendell says the future of higher education is dependent on making classes available on student terms. Kendell recommends offering on-campus classes 16 to 18 hours per day. He says more online and weekend courses may help boost enrollment as well.

To hear a longer conversation about higher education in Utah, download today's Midday Metro podcast.

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