Enrollment numbers

[vu84v2]

Incompetency in the federal government, specifically the Department of Education, is harming recruiting for the upcoming year, especially by Valparaiso and other tuition-driven private universities. The FAFSA financial aid form, usually available to students by October 1, was postponed until December 31. Then, delay of the release was extended again until sometime in March because of glitches or errors in its content and process. As a result, the university cannot confirm financial aid for students, who are required to complete the federal form first. Therefore, applicants are in a limbo state of confusion and uncertainty about whether or not they will be able to afford a private school education, and it is impossible for many of them to make deposits. Consequently, some prospective students likely will simply play it safe and opt for less expensive state schools. A number of universities are now stretching their decision deadline date from March 1 to May 1 or June 1. Apparently, a couple of private universities have already completely eliminated the commitment deadline. This is not good for enrollment numbers at places like Valparaiso University.

Thanks for posting this. Our decision deadline date for recent years has been May 1 and gets "soft stretched" to June 1 (the soft stretch period tends to offset those who change their mind after making the deposit). The FAFSA incompetency definitely hurts the private universities.

[vu84v2]

This is from a news report in Milwaukee tonight regarding the Concordia system
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The university sent an email to students this week, alerting them of a recent financial health check that found the university was spending more money than it was taking in.

Students were told cuts would be coming and the Ann Arbor campus must be reimagined by next fall, with significant reduction in operations and smaller cutbacks at the Mequon campus.

[valpo tundra]

Obviously, Valpo is not alone as many universities are experiencing enrollment declines. This fact still doesn't make the very soon to be announced cuts and consolidations any better. Brace yourself.