Podcast Summary
Faith-based schools buck enrollment trend: Amidst overall college enrollment decline, faith-based schools have remained resilient, attracting students with unique offerings and values.
While undergraduate enrollment in colleges and universities across the United States has been declining for several years, faith-based schools have been an exception to this trend. According to Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham, who was interviewed on Morning Wire, the overall decline in enrollment began before the pandemic and continued even after most schools returned to normal operations. The pandemic did exacerbate the issue, with over a million fewer students registering for college between 2020 and 2022 due to concerns about the value of online learning. However, the decline has not stopped, with enrollment down another 1% last academic year, resulting in a total drop of about 7.5% in the last three years. Despite these challenges, faith-based schools have been able to avoid the student slump, likely due to their unique offerings and values that continue to attract students.
Faith-based colleges buck enrollment trend: Despite a 10-year decline in undergraduate enrollment, faith-based schools have experienced growth, with some reporting increases of up to 8% or more. These schools' distinct religious values are a draw for students seeking a religiously-focused education.
While undergraduate enrollment has seen a significant decline over the past 10 years across various types of higher education institutions, faith-based schools have been an exception. In fact, many of these schools have reported record enrollment growth, with some conservative Christian colleges seeing increases of up to 8% or more over the last decade. This trend is particularly noticeable in states with significant declines in overall enrollment, such as Michigan. Schools like Hillsdale College, known for their distinctively Christian and conservative values, have seen enrollment increases of 53% and acceptance rates drop from 47% to 17% in just 6 years. The reasons for this enrollment surge include a backlash against trends in mainstream universities and a desire for a more religiously-focused education. Overall, the more distinctly religious a school is, the better it seems to be doing in terms of enrollment.
A renewed interest in classical education at homeschools and faith-based universities: Classical education emphasizes a well-rounded education in the humanities and civics, with a focus on the great books and Western intellectual tradition. Parents seeking a traditional, well-rounded education for their children may find faith-based universities an attractive alternative to career-focused secular colleges.
There's a growing interest in classical education at both homeschools and faith-based universities, as opposed to the career-focused, a la carte education model that has become prevalent in many secular colleges. This classical approach emphasizes a well-rounded education in the humanities and civics, with a focus on the great books and the Western intellectual tradition. Institutions like St. John's in Annapolis, Hillsdale, and the University of Dallas are examples of this approach, which features a deep dive into the classics and a rigorous core curriculum, often making up half or more of a student's course load. This shift towards classical education has been fueled in part by the renewed interest in homeschooling and the increasing opportunities in the STEM fields. Overall, parents who value a traditional, well-rounded education for their children may find faith-based universities to be an attractive alternative to the narrowly focused career preparation offered at many secular colleges.
Understanding knowledge for its own sake: Focusing on understanding as a good in itself can lead to deeper knowledge and better prepare students for the modern workplace
There's a growing emphasis on the importance of understanding knowledge for its own sake, rather than just for career advancement, in certain educational institutions. This perspective was discussed in relation to Hillsdale College and its president, Larry Arnn, who criticizes the utilitarian approach to education, even among Republicans in the Bush administration. Arnn believes that focusing on understanding as a good in itself can lead to a deeper understanding of science and other subjects. Contrary to popular belief, these programs may actually be preparing students well for the modern workplace, as some employers view degrees from mainstream schools as potential liabilities due to the ingestion of ideologies and lack of core knowledge.
Faith-based colleges prioritize ethical and compassionate education: Faith-based colleges are attracting students and employers with their ethical and compassionate education, but face challenges maintaining their standards due to potential changes in federal policies.
Faith-based colleges are prioritizing ethical and compassionate education, which is attracting students and employers, despite increasing secularism in America. However, these schools face challenges in maintaining their standards due to potential changes in federal policies regarding discrimination and funding. Some schools, like Hillsdale and Grove City, have chosen to refuse federal funding to uphold their independence, which builds trust with families and applicants. Conversely, others may face lawsuits and funding cuts if they hold onto their biblical views on gender and sexuality. Regardless, these colleges remain committed to providing a unique, values-driven education.
Religious schools that reject federal funds build strong brand and loyal donor base: Religious schools that reject federal funds attract supporters by staying true to their convictions, clear goals, and unique mission, despite financial constraints.
Schools like Hillsdale and Grove City, which have chosen not to accept federal funds, have built a strong brand and loyal donor base by sticking to their convictions. This decision, while limiting their ability to admit students due to financial constraints, has been offset by the enthusiasm of donors who want to support a mission that wouldn't be possible otherwise. McNulty, the president of Grove City College, explained that these schools are able to attract supporters because they are clear about their goals, principles, and objectives. Despite the declining birth rate and secularization of the United States, McNulty believes that the success of religious schools could continue due to their unique mission and commitment to their convictions. Additionally, the schools have been able to grow significantly and become movements for citizens who want to save something valuable.
Religious schools may thrive due to demographic trend of religious people having more children: The belief in family life held by religious communities could give religious schools an enduring advantage in the political and educational landscape.
The demographic trend of religious people having more children than their secular counterparts could give religious schools an enduring advantage in the political and educational landscape. This is due to the strong belief in family life held by religious communities, which is central to their faith. As a result, it may be worth keeping an eye on these religious schools in the coming decades to see if they continue to thrive. Another intriguing development is the rise of this alternative college landscape, which challenges the traditional higher education system. This trend, driven by demographic shifts, could have significant implications for the future of education and politics.
