The closure of the Delaware College of Art and Design has brought to light the challenges faced by many independent art and design schools. These challenges stem from a variety of factors, including declining enrollment, a shrinking pool of college-age students, rising costs, and issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The 27-year-old institution in Wilmington, Delaware, announced its decision to cease operations for the 2024-25 academic year due to low enrollment numbers and financial constraints.
According to the college’s president Jean Dahlgren, ongoing problems with the new FAFSA form have resulted in fewer students applying for financial aid, contributing to the decline in enrollment at DCAD. The college saw a loss of nearly 10% of its student population between 2017 and 2022, bringing the total enrollment down to 129 students. The Board of Trustees had explored various funding solutions, but none proved to be sustainable in the long term.
The Enrollment Cliff in Higher Education
The closure of DCAD reflects a larger trend in higher education known as the “enrollment cliff,” where fewer students are opting to pursue traditional degrees after high school. This trend, coupled with a shrinking population of college-age students, has put many colleges under financial pressure. Inflation and rising costs have further impacted small, private institutions, as students seek more affordable alternatives such as public schools, trade programs, or apprenticeships.
Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz warns that many colleges, especially smaller institutions, are facing financial challenges as a result of declining enrollment and less tuition revenue. The rocky rollout of the new FAFSA form has only exacerbated these pressures, with the Department of Education projected to receive significantly fewer FAFSA submissions this year. This decline in financial aid funding could result in a greater enrollment decline than seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Long-Term Consequences of Declining Enrollment
The repercussions of declining enrollment in higher education may be felt for years to come. If students continue to opt out of college due to affordability concerns, the impact could last for up to four years. Four-year colleges, especially those on the brink of insolvency, may face permanent closure as a result of decreased enrollment and financial instability. The Department of Education has emphasized the importance of supporting colleges and universities to ensure that every student has access to higher education resources and opportunities.
Support for Affected Students
As the Delaware College of Art and Design prepares to close its doors, the institution has pledged to work with incoming and current students to facilitate their transfer to partner schools, including the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and Moore College of Art and Design. This support will help students continue their education and pursue their artistic aspirations despite the challenges faced by the institution.
The closure of the Delaware College of Art and Design underscores the complex issues facing higher education institutions in an increasingly challenging environment. The impact of declining enrollment, coupled with issues related to the FAFSA form, has put many colleges at risk of financial instability and closure. It is crucial for policymakers, educators, and students to work together to address these challenges and ensure that every individual has access to quality higher education opportunities.
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