Officials from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center have corrected a report that drastically changes how we perceive last fall’s first-year enrollment rates.
The Stay Informed Report, which issues preliminary findings on enrollment trends based on 50% of their collected institutional data, understated the number of first-year students and overstated dual enrollees, according to a statement. The report originally found that first-year rates dropped by 5% and that enrollment of 18-year-olds fell by 6%.
“We deeply regret this error and are conducting a thorough review to understand the root cause and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” wrote Doug Shapiro, executive director of the research center.
More from UB: Big political win results in a narrower Title IX
The Clearinghouse discovered the error when it began compiling data for its Current Term Enrollment Estimates report, which encompasses nearly all institutions and uses a different methodology for first-year students. The more comprehensive report will be released Jan. 23.
Despite the error regarding certain student demographics, the 3% year-over-year increase in total undergraduate numbers was not affected.
“We are encouraged and relieved that updated data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows freshman enrollment is up this school year,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a release. “The increase is consistent with what we are seeing on the financial aid side: more than 5% more students are receiving federal aid this year.”
News outlets quickly began to speculate the potential causes of the decline in light of the original findings. Thought leaders suggested it might be due to a variety of factors, including the botched FAFSA rollout, the U.S. economy, college tuition prices and the ban on affirmative action in 2023.
As a result, a number of institutions across the country soon touted they had “bucked national trends” with increased first-year enrollment. The state of New Mexico reported a 10% increase, while flagships across Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and other Southern states discovered gains between 5% and 16%.