University News
As we move through the fall semester, the state of higher education has become a hot topic in the media. For many institutions, the past 5-10 years have been extremely troubling, with declining enrollment, financial challenges, loss of accreditation, and even closures.
During that same time, CSP has achieved exceptional growth and a strong financial position by following a smart strategic plan, anchored by our 2013 “Tuition Reset.” We’ve also thrived during this time because of the hard work of our faculty and staff, which drives greater value for our students and graduates.
However, it’s important that we all keep a close watch on the trends and pressures that have wreaked havoc on colleges and universities, many of which were in stronger positions a short decade ago.
Below are links to some essential articles on these trends and challenges. The intent is not to focus on the negatives happening in our craft, but to ensure we all keep a close watch on the factors that could lead to complacency. Everyone at CSP has an important role to play in our future – most notably through our dedication to provide exceptional value to our most important stakeholders, which are the students who entrust their futures with us.
Please take a few minutes to read the articles linked below. While CSP is at near-record enrollment, we should never relax and feel we are at the “top of our game.”
- Down 3.2% this fall, college enrollment numbers may reach a 50-year low (UB University Business)
- Enrollments Still Falling 2 Years Into Pandemic (Inside Higher ED)
- Minnesota State colleges continue to lose students during pandemic, worsening long-term trend (Star Tribune)