Colleges court scarce students by turning admissions into a campus-wide hospitality campaign
Facing a projected 13% decline in traditional-age freshmen by 2041, US colleges are aggressively shifting from secretive admissions to open, welcoming experiences. Institutions like Skidmore, Ohio Northern, and Washington College are now enlisting faculty to meet applicants, aiming to boost enrollment yields. While acceptance rates have risen to nearly 80% for public and 70% for private schools, public perception remains skewed, with over 40% of young adults mistakenly believing college entry is harder than it is. This strategic pivot aims to convert applicants into enrollees amid intense competition for a shrinking student pool.