Economic conditions and enrollment at community colleges in Hawai'i : A multiple case study

Abstract

Enrollment management is receiving increased attention at community colleges across the nation due to decreasing state appropriations causing increased reliance on tuition revenues for operating funds. Tuition revenues depend on enrollment and although there are many factors that impact enrollment levels, economic conditions, have long been considered of primary importance. This study examines the relationship between economic conditions and enrollment at community colleges in each of the four counties located within the State of Hawai'i and how this relationship differs by county. Time-series data for the period 1973 to 2005 are used. Results show that county economic conditions do impact enrollment but that different economic variables affect individual counties. Also, the results show that county economic conditions have a greater impact on both headcount and full-time equivalent enrollment than statewide economic conditions. These findings have implications for community college enrollment managers who grapple with predicting future tuition revenues in varying economic conditions.