Colleges and universities across the U.S. are facing a higher education enrollment decline that’s deeper than a temporary trend; it’s a structural shift. In this episode, Dr. Ramin Golbaghi and Sam Askary unpack why fewer students are enrolling, what this means for long-term accreditation strategy , and what actionable steps institutional leaders can take to regain momentum. From shifting student expectations to the pressure on delivery formats, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone responsible for student engagement, planning, and institutional growth.

Understanding the Enrollment Decline

Ramin and Sam open the episode by confronting a reality most founders are already sensing: student numbers are down, and it’s not just a post-pandemic dip. Drawing on recent National Student Clearinghouse data and consulting fieldwork, they explain how declining birth rates, tuition sensitivity, and public skepticism about the value of higher education have created a perfect storm. Schools that were thriving a few years ago are now struggling to fill seats, especially in traditional degree tracks.

The Financial and Regulatory Impact on Schools

Sam outlines how enrollment drops directly affect tuition-dependent institutions, triggering cash flow issues and putting schools at risk of noncompliance with both state regulations and accreditor standards. Ramin reminds listeners that falling enrollment isn’t just a financial concern; it also raises red flags about institutional effectiveness , a core area in most accreditation reviews. Schools must now demonstrate how they are actively addressing enrollment through planning, not just reporting the numbers.

Program Relevance: Are You Offering What Students Actually Want?

The hosts share real consulting examples of institutions offering outdated or oversaturated programs, like generic business degrees or under-resourced healthcare tracks, without considering local workforce demand. They walk through how to conduct a curriculum relevance audit and emphasize that program innovation isn’t just about adding new degrees. It’s about aligning what you offer with what learners and employers are actually looking for.

Modern Delivery Formats That Attract Today’s Students

Flexibility is no longer optional. Ramin and Sam explain how rigid formats (weekday-only, in-person, 16-week semesters) are pushing prospective students away. They dive into hybrid models, asynchronous online learning, and short-term credentials as proven enrollment stabilizers. Sam notes that schools offering just one delivery option are already falling behind in today’s comparison-driven decision-making landscape.

Marketing, Messaging, and Conversion Bottlenecks

Even great programs can suffer from poor enrollment if the messaging isn’t clear. The hosts discuss how outdated websites, confusing admissions forms, or vague value propositions can drive students away in the first 30 seconds. Sam gives an example of a lead conversion audit where 80% of prospective students abandoned the inquiry form due to unnecessary friction. Simple changes, like adding direct program outcomes or clarifying tuition, can lead to major improvements.

Higher education enrollment decline

Accreditation Implications of a Weak Enrollment Pipeline

A surprising insight shared in the episode is how low or declining enrollment may jeopardize your accreditation readiness. Accreditors look at enrollment trends as part of their review of institutional viability. Ramin emphasizes the importance of tracking and analyzing enrollment data as part of your ongoing compliance and improvement efforts, not just during the self-study year.

What You Can Do Today to Move Forward

The episode ends with clear, practical guidance: start with a program relevance review, audit your delivery model, streamline your website, and build an enrollment response strategy you can document. Ramin and Sam both stress that schools don’t have to face this alone; support, data, and solutions are available. The key is to act now, not later.

AEC Note

The enrollment decline isn’t going away, but that doesn’t mean your institution has to fall with it. With the right mix of data-driven decision-making and adaptive leadership, schools can rebound, re-align, and thrive.

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