The relationship between economic indicators and Texas public two-year college enrollment
The researcher examined the relationship between economic variables and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges to determine the relationship between the Texas Leading Index, Texas Coincident Index, Texas unemployment rate, and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges for the years 1993–2014. A...
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| Format: | Dissertation |
| Language: | English |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
01-01-2016
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| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The researcher examined the relationship between economic variables and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges to determine the relationship between the Texas Leading Index, Texas Coincident Index, Texas unemployment rate, and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges for the years 1993–2014. All three variables were statistically significant in determining enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges. The Texas Leading Index provides Texas public 2-year college administrators with data on potential changes in enrollment up to 7 months in advance. A 1-point increase in the Texas Leading Index was estimated to reduce enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges by 1,853 students in 7 months. A 1-point increase in the Texas Coincident Index was estimated to reduce Texas public 2-year college enrollment by 4,410 students. A 1 percentage point increase in the rate of unemployment in Texas was estimated to increase enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges by 19,360 students. The results of this study offer several implications for Texas public 2-year college administrators, legislators, and others involved in higher education finance in the state. Specifically, a more balanced approach to educational finance should be explored. Under the current system, funding is cyclical, while the state economy and enrollment is counter-cyclical, which places fiscal stress on community colleges during economic downturns. Community college administrators should identify sources of enrollment growth because increases in enrollment due to cyclical changes in economic activity are temporary. When possible, temporary increases in enrollment should be addressed with temporary measures (e.g., increases in average class size, increases in the number of adjunct faculty). Permanent increases in enrollment from sources such as population growth can be addressed through other measures that may require colleges to make long-term commitments such as hiring additional full-time faculty and staff and expanding physical capacity. |
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| ISBN: | 1369533217 9781369533217 |