Section 2. Enrollment in Degree-Granting Institutions: Introduction

Total enrollment in degree-granting institutions is expected to increase between 2005, the last year of actual data, and 2016. Degree-granting institutions are postsecondary institutions that provide study beyond secondary school and offer programs terminating in an associate's, baccalaureate, or higher degree. Differential growth is expected by student characteristics such as age, sex, and attendance status (part-time or full-time). Enrollment is expected to increase in both public and private degree-granting institutions.

Factors affecting the projections

Changes in age-specific enrollment rates and college-age populations will affect enrollment levels between 2005 and 2016. The most important factor is the expected increase in the traditional college-age population of 18- to 24-year-olds.

Three alternative sets of projections

Middle, low, and high sets of projections were made for total enrollment in degree-granting institutions and for enrollment by age, sex, attendance status, level (undergraduate, graduate, or first-professional), and control of institution.

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