Colleges prepare to do more with less
By Matthew Dembicki, Published February 26, 2009

How the economy is affecting community colleges varies among states. Some colleges are facing small cuts to their state funding, while others expect cuts of more than 20 percent. Yet other colleges have staved off draconian state funding cuts—for now, at least.

What is consistent among two-year colleges is that enrollment is increasing. An informal survey of more than 100 colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges indicates that, on average, community colleges have seen about a 10 percent increase in enrollments in the springsemester. The range of increases varies, from 2 percent at the Maricopa Community College District in Arizona and the Peralta Community College District in California, to more than 20 percent at Los Medanos College (California), the North Wyoming Community College District and Nunez and River Parishes Community Colleges (Louisiana).

Citrus College (California) saw a drop in enrollment—but that’s because the college had to cuts programs this spring by 10 percent, according to college officials. Other colleges face similar strains. The Los Angeles Community College District (California) has eliminated 700 course sections in cost-cutting efforts, while Long Beach City College (California) has seen its student waiting list swell by 25 percent.

Displaced workers have fueled enrollment increases. Highline Community College in Washington has seen a 20 percent increase in enrollment among dislocated workers. Tacoma Community College, another Seattle-area college, has seen worker training enrollment increase by more than 50 percent over the last year.

LaGuardia Community College (LCC) in New York has seen its enrollments this spring increase 25 percent over the same period last year. The college has also seen a 30 percent increase in student transfers.

Many of these students are coming to LCC because of its low tuition and vocational-track programs, said Peter Jordan, vice president for enrollment management and student development.

“Traditionally, these students are drawn to the allied health degree programs—veterinary technology, occupation therapy, physical therapy and nursing—where direct job training skills are taught,” Jordan said. “This semester’s admission numbers show that the appeal is even stronger because these programs lead to careers that are resilient in this troubled economy.”

Other colleges have seen similar increases in their health-related programs. Math, science and health classes at Montgomery College (Maryland) are at capacity, said Elizabeth Homan, a spokesperson for the college.

“We’re maxed out. All our labs are busy from eight in the morning to nine at night. It’s back to back to back,” she said.

Many state lawmakers are aware of the importance of community colleges, particularly during tough economic times, and have tried to limit cuts to their funding.

The governors of Nebraska and Pennsylvania have recommended a 1 percent and 2 percent increase, respectively, in state funding for community colleges. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell has also proposed $10 million in grants for new community college students, as well as tuition relief for new students whose families earn less than $100,000 annually.

Some states, such as Missouri and Michigan, have proposals not to cut funding if colleges agree to freeze tuition. (A few states have warned colleges that they might not receive federal stimulus funds if they raise tuition.)

In Louisiana, community and technical colleges were the only educational institutions spared from budget cuts. But two-year colleges have been asked to prepare for future reductions that could range from 15 percent to 30 percent.

Other colleges have seen cuts this year and expect more:

• In Florida, community colleges have seen a 4 percent cut in state funding this fiscal year and are bracing for possibly more reductions next month.

• In Washington state, two-year colleges saw a mid-year cut in state funding of 4.3 percent and expect more reductions.      

• In Texas, the state has asked two-year colleges to draft plans for 2.5 percent cuts in funding.

• Connecticut colleges saw a 5 percent reduction this year and expect another 5 percent cut next year.

• Colorado colleges saw a 10 percent cut in state funding in fiscal year (FY) 2008-09 and face another proposed 10 percent cut in FY 09-10.

• In South Carolina, state funding was reduced by 22 percent, and there are still talks of additional cuts.

California community colleges last week averted proposed 5 percent cuts and student fee increases, but they will not receive cost-of-living increases. Still, the threat of cuts continues to loom as the economy spirals.

“We will be looking at our budget advocacy efforts over the next couple of weeks and be gearing up for the many approaching fights,” Scott Lay, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, said in an e-mail outlining the state’s new 18-month budget plan.

Community colleges in other states are doing the same. Budget cuts during the current year and projected for 2010 are likely to increase enrollment caps and tuition and fees, according to a new report from the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO).

“Enrollment continues to grow, appropriations for 2009 have been reduced below 2008 levels in some states and further cutbacks for 2010 are under discussion virtually everywhere,” said Reggie Robinson, chair of SHEEO’s executive committee and president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents.