Student Demographics: The Coming Changes and Challenges for Higher Education

Abstract

The famous quotation “Demography is Destiny” applies to higher education more than ever. This chapter assesses changes in the size and composition of the nation’s college-going population and gives voice to those demographers sounding an alert that these changes do not work to the advantage of our universities. Projections of declining numbers of high school graduates and the resulting increased competition among universities for students are bringing disruptions to student recruitment strategies. This chapter also calls for a stronger focus on and strategies for recruiting more Hispanic students as well as non-traditional, adult students. The complicated world of international student recruitment is assessed with emphasis on the role of US immigration policy. The chapter ends with a call to governors and the National Governors Association to take larger role in making the USA more welcoming to international students.