South Carolina College Enrollment Steady Amid National Decline

COLUMBIA – South Carolina College Enrollment Holds Steady Amid Changing Trends

September is here, and with it comes the beginning of a new academic year for students across South Carolina. As our beloved college towns fill with eager faces, preliminary data from the state’s higher education agency reveals that college enrollment in South Carolina is holding steady, giving us a glimmer of hope amid national trends of decline.

Enrollment Numbers Paint a Positive Picture

This fall, approximately 158,000 students have enrolled in four-year universities across the state, which is quite similar to last year’s figures. This is encouraging news for higher education leaders, especially at popular institutions like the University of South Carolina (USC) and Clemson University. Jeff Perez, the newly appointed President of the Commission on Higher Education, recently shared these insights with the governing board, shedding light on both growth and stability in the state’s educational landscape.

“Thelma and Louise are nowhere near the cliff,” Perez humorously remarked, referencing the classic film while addressing worries about a so-called “enrollment cliff.” While many small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest and Northeast are feeling the crunch, with at least 20 closures reported since 2023, South Carolina seems to be weathering the storm quite well.

What’s Driving Growth?

Interestingly, much of this growth can be attributed to retirees relocating to the state. Since the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of individuals aged 65 and older has surged by 50%, while those between the ages of 19 and younger have increased by just 3%. Nevertheless, South Carolina is also becoming a family-friendly destination, evidenced by the wave of new school constructions in the area. Voters have supported funding initiatives for new schools across 19 districts since 2018, hinting at a bright future for education.

Enrollment Trends at Major Universities

At USC’s Columbia campus, freshman enrollment remains on par with last year, and over half of those new students call South Carolina home. The campus has surpassed an impressive 38,000 total students for the first time. Clemson University, not far behind, continues to enroll around 29,000 students, with a large majority of incoming freshmen also hailing from South Carolina. In fact, applications at both universities are highly competitive, with USC receiving more than 50,000 applications and Clemson exceeding 60,000.

While major public institutions like Coastal Carolina University are observing growth, others such as Winthrop University are facing challenges with declining enrollment. Additionally, some private institutions are on the upswing, while others like Allen University are experiencing a slump.

The Future of Higher Education

The full effect of shifting demographics remains to be seen. National high school graduation rates are expected to peak in 2025, after which a decline of about 11% is projected by 2037. To tackle these pending shifts, Governor Henry McMaster has proposed a $3 million independent study of South Carolina higher education. The study aims to answer challenging questions about the viability and efficiency of the state’s 33 public institutions.

Some legislators are advocating for this review, with proposals aimed at ensuring colleges are meeting workforce needs. “Despite the high demand for skills, training, and knowledge, many colleges are facing declining enrollments,” McMaster noted in a message to the General Assembly. Educational leaders believe now is the time for action to ensure educational programs meet the demands of the modern workforce.

The Importance of Collaboration

With the Commission on Higher Education traditionally seen as a supportive entity rather than an overseeing authority, there have been calls for a more collaborative approach. Former Senator Wes Hayes, now chairing the higher education commission board, discussed the delicate balance of approving new programs without causing overlap among institutions. The aim is to create specialized education paths tailored to the needs of both the state and students.

Final Thoughts

Sparked by these discussions, it’s evident that higher education in the Palmetto State is at a crossroads. With the numbers remaining stable, there’s room for possibility and improvement. As students begin their classes this fall, we remain hopeful that South Carolina can continue to adapt and advance in the ever-changing landscape of education.