More first-time students enrolled in college in 2008, as the recession was beginning, than in previous years. But a smaller percentage of this group made it to graduation, according to new data the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center released today.
The study draws from a database that tracks 96 percent of the nation's total enrollment. It is the third annual installment of completion data from the nonprofit center, and the first look at six-year graduation rates for students who entered higher education as the economy soured.
The number of incoming, credential-seeking students in 2008 grew to 2.7 million from 2.4 million, an increase of 12 percent. And the number of first-time students who were at least 21 years old increased by 20 percent.
That influx isn't surprising, as economic downturns typically drive enrollment booms.
"The prospect of a degree as a buffer against hard times was top of mind for many who found themselves newly unemployed," according to the report.
Yet at the same time, higher education was buffeted by budget problems that led to tuition increases. And the researchers note that the national college completion push, which President Obama and foundations have led, has also been part of the backdrop in recent years.
Until now researchers have lacked broad, long-term data on the recession's effects on college completion rates. And the new numbers from the Clearinghouse feature several advantages, including the ability to follow students as they transfer and move across state lines.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/11/18/enrollment-numbers-grew-during-recession-graduation-rates-slipped