The EBA Committee Session held on February 1, 2024, focused on the University System of Maryland's enrollment trends and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student retention and graduation rates. Analyst Sarah Baker and Dr. Jay Perman presented key findings regarding undergraduate enrollment changes from fall 2022 to fall 2023.

Overall, undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.2%, but this figure masks a slight decline of 0.1% when excluding the Global Campus. Notably, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) experienced a significant enrollment growth of 15.7%, while the University of Baltimore faced the largest decrease, contributing to concerns about financial stability at regional institutions. The committee expressed the need for the Chancellor to address the factors behind these declines and the challenges of attracting students amid increased competition.

The analysis highlighted that since 2019, overall enrollment has dropped by 2.1%, with a more pronounced decline of 8.6% when excluding Global Campus. Regional institutions reported declines exceeding 24%, raising alarms about their financial viability. The committee requested insights into strategies for re-engaging students who have stopped out since 2020, as many are identified as likely to return and complete their degrees.

Retention rates were also discussed, revealing that while the first-year retention rate for the 2023 cohort improved, it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. The graduation rates for the 2014 and 2018 cohorts showed a decline, attributed to the pandemic's disruption of traditional college experiences.

In conclusion, the session underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Maryland's higher education institutions in maintaining enrollment and supporting student success in the wake of the pandemic. The committee's discussions will inform future strategies to enhance student retention and address the financial implications for affected institutions.