Enrollment at Georgia’s public universities declines for second year in a row

ATLANTA — Enrollment at public universities declined slightly for the second consecutive year, according to a release from the University System of Georgia.

Total enrollment of the state’s 26 public colleges and universities for this fall semester stands at 334,459 students, according to the release.

Although enrollment decreased overall, it grew by 1.2% at research universities but declined in the system’s three other institutional sectors, according to USG’s fall 2022 semester enrollment report.

The system considers UGA, Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Augusta University as falling under the research university category.

Comprehensive universities fell by 3.7%, state universities were down 5.7%, and state colleges dropped by 2.4%.

Overall, USG saw a decrease of 6,179 students or 1.8% across the state. Eight institutions had an increase in enrollment, while 17 declined and one remained flat compared to last year.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“The University System of Georgia faces similar challenges to undergraduate enrollment as other public systems including a booming job market and the lingering effects of the pandemic,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Still, I’m a facts guy, and the facts show USG graduates will make over $1 million more in their lifetimes thanks to their college degree and frankly we need to do a better job marketing that valuable return on investment. We aim to be a lifelong learning partner that helps Georgians change their lives and grow Georgia’s skilled workforce and economy.”

USG between 2013 and 2020 saw a steady increase in the number of students enrolling in its institutions, with record-high headcounts each fall between 2015 and 2020 –— including an all-time high in fall 2020 of 341,489 students, according to the release.

The recent overall enrollment decline is related to several trends, according to the system. These trends include a strong job market, financial uncertainty and the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

These trends include learning challenges at the secondary level that have affected whether high school students immediately decide to pursue college.

According to the system, this trend of lower enrollment mirrors the trend nationwide. Nationally, this fall had a 2.3% decrease in undergraduates, while four-year public institutions decreased by 1.6% and all institutions (including private institutions) decreased by 1.1%.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Georgia 2022 Midterm election results
• Brian Kemp wins second term as Georgia’s governor
• Sen. Raphael Warnock says there’s more work to be done in U.S. Senate race

Within USG, institutions with enrollment growth included the Georgia Institute of Technology (3.3%), Augusta University (2.2%), Gordon State College (1.4%), the University of Georgia (1.2%), South Georgia State College (1.1%), Georgia Gwinnett College (0.7%), Kennesaw State University (0.7%) and Albany State University (0.5%). Dalton State College maintained flat enrollment.

Demographically, students identifying as Asian and Latino grew by 7.5% and 2.7%, respectively, while there were declines in African American (-3.7%) and white (-4.6%) students, according to the release.

The enrollment numbers were released in the USG’s annual fall semester enrollment report, which analyzes enrollment data by institution, age, gender, race and ethnicity, in-state, out-of-state and international students.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

Mableton to become largest Cobb County city after voters approve cityhood

©2022 Cox Media Group