Illinois College Expected Uptick In Enrollment With COVID-19 Rates Still High

Logic and education, I just found out, don't always go hand in hand.

Perhaps you disagree, but in my mind sending a kid off to a four-year college or university as COVID-19 numbers continue to climb would seem to be a risky move in terms of safety and health, not to mention a less than sound investment considering the hefty tuitions being charged by four-year schools these days.

As a parent, I wouldn't be all that excited about paying the big bucks for remote learning, which is what most universities are offering these days - at least for the most part - whether the kids are on campus or not.

In case you've not been paying attention, universities that have opened campuses are already seeing an outbreak of coronavirus in sororities, fraternities and wherever young folks gather. Notre Dame just last week had to suspend classes just a few days into this term to reevaluate its safety protocols after hundreds of positive cases were reported, most the result of off-campus parties.

All that being said, doesn't it stand to reason a safer and far cheaper alternative would be the local community college, where students can start their higher educations while still living at home with the folks they've been social distancing with since March?

You would think, right?

Even the smart folks at Waubonsee Community College, where classes begin Monday, were certain they would see an uptick in enrollment this year as we watch those COVID-19 numbers remain stubbornly high.

"Usually, a good majority of students who start in the fall tend to be traditional age," noted Amanda Geist, executive director of marketing at Waubonsee. "So we thought, here we go."

Unfortunately, with a 10% decline in enrollment from a year ago, that was not the case.

While there's been a slight increase in traditional students (ages 17-20) enrolled this semester, it's hardly enough to offset the whopping 50% drop in older students.

And yes, the numbers have surprised WCC officials who, recalling the enrollment surge during the 2007 Recession, expected to see another significant increase, in large part from those traditional students choosing to play it safe and cheaper this semester.

"It's a good question," said Geist, when I asked why the arrow didn't go in WCC's favor.

"We felt like we were in a good position to serve student needs during these uncertain times because we are close to home, affordable and have put more safety protocols and measures in place," she said.

The college also now offers five methods of instruction: traditional face-to-face; all remote; a hybrid mix; synchronized online, which is remote learning in real time; and Flex, which gives students the ability to use all methods when and if the need arises.

After major renovations, WCC also reopened its Plano campus Monday as the college's Innovation and Design Center, where welding and cybersecurity courses are offered, along with new programs in automation and CAD.

At the College of DuPage, according to a recent Chicago Tribune story, the new student applications are up about 4% compared with last year. And COD President Brian Caputo seemed optimistic there will be a bump in enrollment.

After all, as this story pointed out, average tuition at community colleges costs $3,440 for local residents while public four-year universities run nearly three times that price tag for in-state students.

"There are a lot of things in play right now ... so many unknowns," said Geist. "Parents and students are nervous and still trying to figure out the path they want to take. Unfortunately, that is not equating to an increase in enrollment."

She is, however, hopeful things will pick up "in this interesting year" as time goes on.

"People are more concerned about safety," Geist said. "And we hope when education becomes a priority again, they realize we are in their backyards and consider us."

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