Some Arkansas universities see increase in enrollment after COVID-19 pandemic
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic many colleges across the state saw a dip in enrollment but now some are seeing their numbers tick back up.
Officials with Arkansas Tech University say for the first time since 2019, they’re seeing an increase in enrollment. It’s a goal they have been striving to accomplish.
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In a release, ATU stated that there are 8,308 students enrolled at ATU for Spring 2024. That is a 1.2% increase over Spring 2023, when ATU enrolled 8,210 students. It is the first spring-to-spring enrollment increase at ATU since 2019.
ATU Interim President Russell Jones said the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging on enrollment for many colleges.
“Since the pandemic, most universities, especially regional universities, have seen a decline,” Jones said. ”We were all fighting it.”
A document from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board Meeting showcases that public four-year universities from across the state had a dip in their headcount after the COVID-19 pandemic. That number has been steadily climbing back up over the years.
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“We have come to the realization that we have to actively retain and recruit students,” Jones said. ”No longer will you build it and they will come. We have to go out and market it.”
Jones said everyone was pleased when they saw the results of their hard work in the enrollment increase.
“About three years ago, we started an incentive funding facility and staff in addition to our marketing team to go out visit the high schools and show them what we have to offer,” he said.
He added that the landscape of higher education has changed.
“Students are demanding more as far as flexibility, they want more online classes, more different timing of classes and of course affordability,” Jones said.
Jones said they’re focused on meeting students where they are.
“We created a one-year certificate, a two-year associate degree, three-year advanced certificate, four four-year bachelor degrees and there’s master and doctorate degrees,” Jones said.
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Freshman Chasey Hudson, who is majoring in middle-level education, said she has learned more about herself and career while attending college.
“My hope is to spread so much joy across students’ lives,” Hudson said.
Hudson said from when she started, she has seen more students on campus. She said college has been a better experience than she imagined and encourages others to take the college route.
“Reach out, go on the tours to visit all the schools,” Hudson said.
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Jones said moving forward they will continue to focus on recruiting and retention hoping they will continue to see that increase in enrollment.
Other colleges like Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and University of Arkansas in Fayetteville have also seen enrollment increases.
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