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University of Memphis Faces Declining Undergraduate Enrollment

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Aerial view of the University of Memphis campus

News Summary

The University of Memphis is experiencing a significant decline in undergraduate enrollment, dropping from 15,728 students in 2019 to a projected 13,020 in 2024. This trend reflects changing perceptions of higher education, challenges with college admissions, and a decline in the number of high school graduates enrolling in college. The university is focusing on enhancing retention and success while maintaining its vital role in the local economy.

Memphis University Deals With Declining Undergraduate Enrollment Numbers

The University of Memphis is facing a significant dip in its undergraduate enrollment, a trend that seems to coincide with changing attitudes toward higher education, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we dive into the numbers, it’s hard not to notice the downward trajectory that has become all too familiar in recent years.

Enrollment Numbers Tell a Troubling Story

When we look back to the fall of 2019, the university was thriving with 15,728 undergraduate students. Fast forward to the fall of 2020, and there was a slight decrease, bringing the total to 15,601. However, the numbers really took a hit beginning in fall 2021, when enrollment plummeted to just 14,750 students. The pattern of decline continued, and by fall 2022, the number dropped again to 14,317. Experts are projecting that for fall 2023, enrollment might slip down to 13,765 students, and an even more concerning forecast for fall 2024 predicts just 13,020 undergraduate students.

This marks a staggering five-year decline of 2,709 students, and a year-over-year drop of 745 students. Among the notable shifts, a whopping 25% decrease in first-time freshmen is a significant factor contributing to this trend.

Graduate Students Hold Steady

Interestingly, while undergraduate enrollment is struggling, the number of graduate students has remained relatively stable, with 4,599 expected in fall 2024, down slightly from 4,682 in fall 2023. On a brighter note, dual enrollment students, who are typically high school students taking college courses, are actually increasing. For fall 2024, projections show 3,049 dual enrollment students, up from 3,006 in fall 2023 and nearly double the 1,650 reported in fall 2019.

Changing Perspectives on College

The reasons behind the decline are multifaceted and complex. One major contributor is the evolving perception of higher education value. A recent Pew Research Study revealed that 29% of U.S. adults think a four-year degree is not worth the cost—an alarming sentiment that could deter potential students.

Moreover, a significant drop in high school graduates opting for college has been noted. For instance, only 52.3% of Shelby County’s graduating seniors enrolled in college immediately in 2022, a stark decrease from 63.8% in 2017. This decline is mirrored nationally, as universities brace for ongoing drops in enrollment due to demographic shifts, including lower birth rates since the Great Recession of 2008.

Challenges for Future Enrollments

Adding to the complexity, this year’s challenges with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) have made the process more daunting, contributing to students’ negative perceptions about pursuing higher education. In response, the University of Memphis is reframing its admission process to be more selective. They have reinstated the ACT score requirement, targeting scores between 21 and 22 for incoming students to better ensure success.

Focusing on Retention and Success

The retention rates for first-time freshmen are also telling. The university has seen a decline from a healthy 79.5% in fall 2019 to 71.1% in fall 2022. The U of M is working hard to find the right balance between selectivity and accessibility, particularly through initiatives like One Step Closer, aimed at helping underprepared students transition smoothly into college readiness.

A Vital Role in the Community

It’s important to recognize that the University of Memphis is more than just an educational institution; it plays a crucial role in the local economy, contributing nearly $1 billion annually and providing around 10,000 jobs.

However, continued declines in enrollment could severely impact the funding for the university, and subsequently, the local economy. To combat this trend, U of M is actively working to strengthen partnerships with community colleges, creating more pathways for student success to ensure future generations have the opportunity to thrive.

The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the University of Memphis is committed to adapting to these changes and supporting both its current and future students.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Governor’s Voucher Proposal Sparks Debate in Tennessee
Memphis Students Get a Taste of College Life at Dual Enrollment Open House
Memphis High School Students Enthusiastically Discover Dual-Enrollment Opportunities at University Event
Tennessee’s School Turnaround Programs Under Fire as Research Questions Their Effectiveness
Supreme Court Ruling Influences Diversity Shifts in College Admissions Across the United States

Additional Resources

HERE Memphis
Author: HERE Memphis

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