Student enrollment is down nationally nearly 2% for associate, undergraduate and graduate programs across the country because of the pandemic, according to a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
While Orange County’s top four-year universities appear to be largely bucking the trend (see story, page 1), the same can’t be said for its nine community colleges.
Community colleges nationwide have reported enrollment declines around 7.5%, according the Clearinghouse Research Center’s data.
Orange County’s enrollment figures at community colleges have topped that mark and fallen 21% from 168,067 students to 132,616, according to this week’ Business Journal list.
Coast Community College District, with campuses in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, was hit the worst: enrollment fell 41.2%.
Declines Puzzle
While initial data paints a grim picture, it’s hard to tell how long students will postpone their education.
Falling enrollments at junior colleges have certainly surprised researchers, according to Doug Shapiro, executive director of the Clearinghouse Research Center.
“I think many people thought by now, six months into the recession, we should start seeing enrollment growth by unemployed students looking to upskill. Those students in a typical recession should be flowing into community colleges en masse; we’re not seeing any of that,” Shapiro told Inside Higher Ed.
“The enrollment decline in community colleges is among all age groups. Many people thought students would transfer to community colleges to be closer to home; we’re not seeing any evidence of that in today’s data.”
The Clearinghouse Research Center will release an updated study on Oct. 12, which will show how about 50-60% of colleges are faring across the country. Its initial report covered 22% of colleges.
Spring Priorities
With the exception of Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College, all OC community colleges have announced plans to continue virtual instruction and services throughout the spring.
About 95% of courses are expected to be online; there are already some exceptions for automotive, construction, nursing and technical programs, among others.
Many will offer the option of recorded or live sessions, the latter of which could transition to in-person courses if Orange County’s COVID numbers improve.
Still, most colleges appear to agree that it’s safer to stay the course.
“We wish that we could commit to bringing more classes back to campus for spring semester, but many of the colleges and universities that have done so elsewhere in the country are reporting COVID outbreaks, often fueling larger outbreaks in their communities,” said Elliot Stern, president of Saddleback College.
“As you have heard me say before, your health and safety, the health and safety of my 1,400 colleagues here to teach and support you, and the health and safety of all of your contacts is still our No. 1 priority.”
Surplus of Services
Community colleges have stepped up to help their students.
Colleges have also distributed CARES Act funds to students, launched laptop and equipment loan programs, and some have set up free COVID-19 testing or flu vaccination services on their campuses.
Many have also taken a stand to disavow racial injustice in the wake of current events.Â
“I want to emphasize that COVID-19 has not changed our commitment to our students and community, nor has the pandemic changed the college’s mission and values related to equity and inclusion,” said John Hernandez, who was named president of Irvine Valley College in July.
