Concerns over dwindling student populations and institutional competition dominated discussions at the Higher Education Financial Sustainability Advisory Board meeting in Connecticut on December 18, 2024. Experts highlighted the pressing challenge of attracting enough students to sustain the state's colleges and universities, particularly as demographic shifts lead to fewer young people entering higher education.

A key point raised was the intense competition among institutions for a limited pool of students. One speaker noted, “There are just the same number of institutions with the same needs to enroll students and fewer students... We’re all going to be fighting over all of them.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for colleges to clearly define their missions and effectively communicate how they serve diverse populations.

The conversation also touched on the impact of the University of Connecticut's (UConn) branch campuses, which are drawing students who might otherwise enroll in Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU). The overlap in student demographics raises concerns about whether there are enough students to support all institutions. “Those branch campuses are competing for that same dwindling population of students,” one participant cautioned, suggesting that strategic policy coordination is essential to mitigate competition and foster collaboration among institutions.

Additionally, the meeting addressed staffing levels in relation to enrollment trends. While CSCU staffing has decreased by 27%, concerns were raised about the slower reduction of non-instructional staff, which could affect the cost of education. A deeper analysis of staffing structures and their implications for financial sustainability was deemed necessary.

As Connecticut's higher education landscape evolves, the board emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among institutions to ensure financial viability and continued access to education for future generations. The discussions set the stage for further analysis and potential policy recommendations aimed at addressing these critical challenges.