Today's Economy vs. College Selection!

NACAC Survey Finds More Students Forgoing Dream Schools in Favor of Affordability

June 9, 2009 (Arlington, VA) – A majority (70%) of high schools reported an increase in the number of students who felt the need to modify their ambitions and choose more affordable options over their “dream schools.” The reverberations of a shaky economy were also felt on the college side, as 45% of colleges reported a decrease in the number of students accepting admission offers, also known as yield rates in the admission office, compared to 2008. The survey also found that 35% of the reporting colleges experienced budget cuts.

The 2008-2009 college admission cycle took place during a period of heightened economic uncertainty. Concerns over potential budget cuts, and unpredictable yield rates inspired NACAC to survey its high school and college membership for an evaluation of the admissions climate.

“The potential effects of the economy loomed large over this admission cycle,” stated Joyce Smith, NACAC Chief Executive Officer. “It appears that students and families were more concerned about cost, and plans about whether or where to enroll were changed as a result. The colleges’ experience this year is more difficult to generalize, though budget cuts and declining yield rates are indicative of a tougher year at many institutions.”

See below for a snapshot of the survey or view the full summary of results.

High School Survey

* Nearly three-fourths of high schools reported an increase in the number of students foregoing their “dream schools” in favor of more affordable options
* Overall, around one-third of all high schools reported budget cuts in the 2008-09 school year
* Nearly 60 percent of respondents indicated an increase in the number of students planning to enroll in public versus private colleges in Fall 2009

College Survey

* A majority of institutions reported increases for each of the following: inquiries (62 percent); total applications (62 percent); Early Decision applications (51 percent); Early Action applications (68 percent).
* Forty-five percent of respondents reported a decrease in their 2009 May 1 yield rates as compared to 2008
* About 35 percent of postsecondary institutions experienced budget cuts and 15 percent experienced staff cuts to the admission department during the 2008-09 academic year

About NACAC

NACAC is an Arlington, VA-based education association of more than 11,000 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association, founded in 1937, is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.


Brad Asbury,
Access college Foundation