Is the cost of college worth it? Has the political environment at large universities driven students away?
The data shows dramatic declines in student enrollment at public universities and colleges in Washington state, consistent declines at higher education institutions (as a whole) in Montana, and stagnation at those in Idaho.
As policymakers determine the budgets and staffing at higher education institutions, it is important to consider the size of the student population.
For example, the number of full time students attending college – both university and community – in Idaho is 51,537 this year. Ten years ago, there were 52,621 full time students.
Idaho’s largest university remains Boise State, where 18,119 students attend. BSU has seen an increase in enrollment every year since 2013. But both Idaho State University and the University of Idaho have seen consistent drops in attendance. Each institution now serves roughly 9,200 students.
More troubling numbers come out of Montana, where the number of students attending college or university has declined eight percent since 2014, to 33,603.
Montana State University serves the most students. At its main campus in Bozeman, the number of students attending has actually increased to 14,633. But the number of students attending the University of Montana has fallen to 7,218 – a drop of 29% in less than 10 years.
In Washington state, the total number of students in higher education has declined to 204,956. A decade ago, it was 249,330 – representing a decline of nearly 18%. Despite that decline, Washington state has never spent more on higher ed.
The number of students at the University of Washington has increased over the past decade to 48,501. But all other universities have seen a decline – and in some cases, a dramatic decline.
Why do these numbers matter? Policymakers determine the budgets and staffing at higher education institutions, so it is important to consider the size of the student population.
Additionally, in the last Idaho legislative session, proposals were floated to freeze tuition and create a working group to consider a new funding formula.
Given the decline in student populations across the region, as well as the heavy burden on taxpayers and students, it may be time to bring back that conversation.
Enrollment data is available here: