What happens to college towns after peak 18-year-old?
17 hours ago
- #higher-education
- #demographics
- #economic-impact
- College towns in the U.S. are facing a crisis as the number of 18-year-olds declines, leading to lower enrollment.
- Undergraduate enrollment dropped 12% from 2010 to 2023, with two-year colleges hit hardest (39% decline).
- Demographic shifts, falling birth rates, and eroded trust in higher education are exacerbating the problem.
- Universities are economic multipliers for local communities, supporting housing, businesses, and cultural activities.
- College closures could lead to economic decline in towns reliant on universities, similar to the Rust Belt's deindustrialization.
- Potential solutions include immigration policies, regional partnerships, and repurposing campus infrastructure.
- The future of higher education depends on managing demographic decline with foresight and public investment.