The Delaware College of Art and Design recently announced its decision to close due to low enrollment numbers for the upcoming academic year. The institution cited issues with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as one of the contributing factors to the decline in student enrollment. According to the college’s president, Jean Dahlgren, ongoing problems with the FAFSA form have resulted in fewer students applying for financial aid, exacerbating the already declining enrollment trend in independent art and design schools like DCAD.
Enrollment at DCAD has dropped significantly over the years, with a loss of nearly 10% of students between 2017 and 2022. The college’s Board of Trustees has explored various funding solutions to address the long-term problem of low student enrollment, but none have been effective in reversing the downward trend. As a result, DCAD will no longer offer classes or confer degrees for the 2024-25 academic year, marking the end of its 27-year history as an institution of higher learning.
The decline in student enrollment and tuition revenue has put many small colleges, like DCAD, under significant financial pressure. Inflation and rising costs have further compounded the challenges faced by these institutions, as more students opt for less expensive alternatives to a traditional college degree. The closure of DCAD may be the first of many small colleges to shut down due to the financial strain caused by the declining enrollment and the added pressure from the problematic rollout of the new FAFSA system.
The consequences of declining enrollment in small colleges may have long-lasting effects on the higher education landscape. Experts predict that the Department of Education is on track to receive significantly fewer FAFSA submissions this year, which could lead to a substantial decline in college enrollment and revenue. If students continue to opt out of college due to concerns about affordability, the impact on four-year colleges could be severe and potentially permanent, leading to permanent closures of institutions across the country.
The U.S. Department of Education has emphasized its commitment to providing support to colleges and universities to help them navigate the challenges posed by declining enrollment and FAFSA issues. Ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to process student records efficiently, make aid offers to students, and encourage enrollment in higher education is a top priority for the Department. Additionally, colleges like DCAD are working with incoming and current students to facilitate transfers to partner schools, ensuring that students have access to alternative educational opportunities.
The impact of declining enrollment and FAFSA issues on small colleges like the Delaware College of Art and Design highlights the challenges faced by independent institutions in today’s higher education landscape. As colleges continue to grapple with financial pressure and uncertainty surrounding enrollment, it is crucial for stakeholders to come together to support students and institutions in navigating these difficult times.Only through collaborative efforts and proactive measures can we address the root causes of declining enrollment and ensure that all students have access to quality education in the years to come.