The Four Paths to Enrollment Growth
Preview:
With enrollment declines looming and public confidence in higher education eroding, many institutions are turning to enrollment growth as a revenue strategy despite significant headwinds. Four main paths exist: launching new academic programs, adding athletic teams, investing in marketing and recruitment partnerships, and targeting new student audiences such as transfers, graduate students, and online learners. Each carries real costs and risks, and success depends on honest assessment of institutional capacity, market demand, and fit before committing resources.
Originally published: April 22, 2026
Author: Stefanie D. Niles
Position: President
Institution: Cottey College
Published by: The Chronicle of Higher Ed