Enrollment at Oregon’s Independent, Nonprofit Colleges and Universities Remains Stable Despite FAFSA Challenges in Fall 2024

TUALATIN, OR - The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance) today announced that total enrollment across its 11 member institutions has remained stable for the 2024-25 academic year. Despite a 1% decrease in total headcount compared to Fall 2023, the combined enrollment of 23,079 students highlights the resilience and adaptability of Oregon's independent, nonprofit higher education sector, even in the face of significant challenges stemming from the troubled rollout of this year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

"This year has presented extraordinary challenges for our member institutions, particularly with the technical issues surrounding the FAFSA process," said Brent Wilder, President of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. "The FAFSA is a critical tool for students seeking financial aid, and the glitches in its distribution undoubtedly caused significant stress for both students and financial aid offices. Nevertheless, our member colleges and universities adapted quickly, showing remarkable perseverance and commitment to student success."

Key Enrollment Highlights for Fall 2024:

• Total Enrollment: 23,079 students across 11 member institutions.
• First-Generation Students: 19% of students are first-generation, marking a year-over-year increase of nearly 3%.
• Transfer Students: 48% of transfer students have previously attended an Oregon community college.
• Pell-Eligible Students: 27.4% of undergraduate first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students are Pell-eligible, up from 24.4% in Fall 2023.
• Retention Rates: Retention remains strong with nearly 95% of Fall 2023 cohort students returning for the Spring 2024 semester. Notably, Oregon Pell-eligible students saw a 5% improvement in first-year Spring retention, reaching 93.8%. Second-year Fall retention for Pell-eligible students also improved, rising nearly 2% to 81.7%. For non-Oregon Pell-eligible students, retention rates showed a mixed trend: first-year Spring retention improved to 92%, up 2% from 2023, while second-year Fall retention saw a decline of over 3%, falling to 78.3%.
• Oregon Students: Oregon residents make up 47% of the total student body.
• Undergraduate vs. Graduate Enrollment: 70% of students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, while 30% are pursuing graduate degrees.

The Alliance's member institutions serve a diverse range of students, including Pell-eligible, first-generation, and adult learners. Despite the FAFSA-related challenges, the institutions of The Alliance were able to support students through personal financial aid guidance and institutional aid programs, helping many students navigate the complexities and continue their education.

"The resilience of Oregon's independent, nonprofit colleges and universities speaks to the dedicated support systems in place at our institutions," said Wilder. "Our focus on supporting students through personalized financial aid guidance, institutional aid, and comprehensive retention initiatives continues to pay dividends."

Looking Ahead

With FAFSA-related delays and complications now behind them, The Alliance's member institutions are optimistic about future enrollment cycles. They will continue to focus on enhancing academic programs, improving student retention, and ensuring that all students-regardless of background-have the opportunity to succeed.

"We are proud of our member institutions' ability to provide strong academic programs and exceptional student support, especially for Pell-eligible and first-generation students," said Wilder. "We remain focused on advancing our collective mission to prioritize the student experience, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and graduation outcomes as the sector adapts to an evolving higher education landscape."

About The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance)
The Alliance is comprised of 11 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of private, nonprofit education in public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org or email [email protected].