Colleges in the Dubuque area are reporting varied fall enrollment numbers, with several institutions experiencing overall declines compared to previous years. However, a significant bright spot for many is a notable increase in first-year student enrollment, which officials believe signals a positive trajectory for future stability and growth.
Key Takeaways
- Overall enrollment shows a mixed picture, with some universities seeing declines while community and technical colleges report growth over a five-year period.
- University of Dubuque, Loras College, and Clarke University all reported larger freshman classes this fall, despite decreases in their total student populations.
- Factors influencing these trends include the aftermath of FAFSA rollout issues, new academic programs, and targeted recruitment strategies.
- Community colleges like NICC and Southwest Tech have seen consistent growth, attributed to high school partnerships and new athletic programs.
A Complex Enrollment Landscape
A five-year analysis from fall 2020 reveals a challenging environment for several four-year universities. The University of Dubuque (UD) saw its enrollment decrease by 18.9%, while Loras College experienced a 17.7% drop. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville also reported a 14.9% decline over the same period.
In contrast, other local institutions have expanded. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) grew its student body by 15.8%, and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College saw a 5.8% increase. Clarke University and Emmaus University also reported growth, with enrollment climbing by 7.4% and an impressive 45.3%, respectively.
Year-Over-Year Enrollment Changes
Compared to fall 2024, Emmaus University led with a 23.8% increase, followed by NICC (3.8%) and Southwest Tech (2.4%). UW-Platteville saw a slight 0.4% rise. Meanwhile, Loras College (-6.9%), Clarke University (-5.1%), and the University of Dubuque (-0.5%) saw decreases.
Freshman Numbers Signal a Rebound
Despite some of the downward trends in total enrollment, university leaders are optimistic due to a surge in first-year students. This growth is seen as a leading indicator of recovery and future stability.
University of Dubuque's Post-Pandemic High
The University of Dubuque welcomed 339 first-time, first-year freshmen this fall. According to President Travis Frampton, this represents the largest freshman class since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“The fact that people know we’re pursuing that as a graduate program shows that UD is committed to health sciences and helping supply the demand for medical professionals in this region,” Frampton said, referencing the university's plan to open a medical school.
He noted that the university's focus on data-driven recruitment and showcasing programs through campus visits has been effective. The announcement of the planned John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine, set to open in 2028 pending accreditation, has particularly boosted interest in health sciences programs.
Clarke and Loras See Similar Gains
At Clarke University, the incoming first-year class is larger by about 25 students compared to last year. Callie Clark, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, attributed this to recruitment efforts and campus upgrades. She also highlighted the recovery from last year's problematic FAFSA rollout.
The FAFSA Factor
In late 2023, the U.S. Department of Education released a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The rollout was plagued by technical glitches and delays, causing uncertainty for families and negatively impacting enrollment at many colleges last year.
“Across institutions, I think we’re beginning to see a bounce-back from that disastrous FAFSA rollout,” Clark stated. Loras College has also seen consistent growth in its incoming classes for three consecutive years. Maria Gentile, Vice President for Enrollment Management, explained that while overall numbers are still declining due to large graduating classes, the trend in new students is positive.
“We work really closely with a lot of (high schools) in Iowa, and we’ll keep nurturing those relationships,” Gentile said, also mentioning a new summer welcome program for first-generation students.
Strategies for Growth and Stability
Colleges across the region are implementing diverse strategies to attract and retain students in a competitive higher education market. These initiatives range from new academic programs and automatic admissions to strengthening ties with niche communities.
UW-Platteville's Direct Admit Program
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s freshman class grew by 10% to 1,451 students, its largest in six years. Chancellor Tammy Evetovich credited the Direct Admit Wisconsin program for this success. The program automatically admits high school students from participating districts based on their junior year grades.
“That increased the top of our enrollment funnel, … and now attracting them here and getting the right fit is what’s really important. Given the demographics in this region, I think what we did with our freshman class this year is pretty extraordinary.”
Emmaus University's Targeted Outreach
Emmaus University, formerly Emmaus Bible College, has experienced significant growth, increasing its student body by 50 students from last year alone. President Philip Boom said the school, which recently changed its name to reflect a broader program offering, has focused its recruitment on its core constituency.
“We are doubling down on our historical constituency … focusing on the places and the people most likely to select us,” Boom explained, referring to Christian schools, homeschool networks, and churches.
Community and Technical Colleges Thrive
Both Northeast Iowa Community College and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College have continued their upward enrollment trends, demonstrating the growing appeal of technical and career-focused education.
NICC's Program and Athletic Expansion
NICC's growth is fueled by strong concurrent enrollment programs with local high schools and the recent launch of four new athletic teams: baseball, softball, and men's and women's cross country. Amy Gaffney, Vice President of Student Services, said the college is responding directly to community needs.
“Our team has been really intentional in listening to the demands of the community ... to deliver the programs students are seeking,” she said. Unique offerings, such as various agricultural programs, also contribute to its success.
Southwest Tech Focuses on Student Success
Southwest Tech reached a post-pandemic high of 1,725 students this fall. Chief Communications Officer Katie Glass believes that newly implemented student success plans, career assessments, and work-based learning opportunities have improved retention rates.
“I feel like our applicants and our current students are much more invested and knowledgeable about why they’re in the field they’re in and what their ultimate goal is post-college,” Glass commented. This focus on career clarity appears to be resonating with students in the region.
