Universities Over-Accepting Students: A Growing Trend?

It is not uncommon for universities to accept more students than they can accommodate. This phenomenon, known as overenrollment, can occur due to unpredictable admissions yield rates, where more students accept offers of admission than expected. While universities employ various strategies to manage overenrollment, such as deferring students to community college or creating alternative programs, it remains a challenging situation that can disproportionately impact low-income and first-generation students.

Admissions yield rates are unpredictable

David Hawkins, the executive director for educational content and policy at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, highlights the two-way nature of the contract between students and colleges. When a student accepts an offer, the college is expected to uphold its end of the bargain by providing a spot for that student. However, in cases of overenrollment, universities are forced to get creative with their housing and academic offerings.

Universities have employed various strategies to address overenrollment, such as deferring students to community college with the option to transfer later or creating alternative programs like the "Anteater Leadership Academy," which offers benefits such as smaller class sizes and reduced tuition fees. These solutions are not without criticism, as they may raise concerns about equity and access, potentially disadvantaging low-income and first-generation students.

The University of California at Berkeley, for example, has dealt with chronic housing and academic facility shortages by establishing its Fall Program for Freshmen and expanding its Global Edge program, which includes studying abroad in London. In the case of Irvine, the university withdrew about 500 admission offers, which sparked backlash and discussions about the fairness of the process, especially for low-income and first-generation students.

While overenrollment presents challenges, universities generally strive to accommodate all accepted students. They may resort to creative solutions, such as renting hotels or apartments, but the process of managing yield rates remains unpredictable due to the ease of online applications and the complex dynamics of student decision-making.

Over-enrolment impacts low-income, first-generation students

While over-enrolment is an issue that affects all students, it can have a particularly detrimental impact on low-income, first-generation students. These students often face unique challenges and obstacles when accessing and completing higher education, and over-enrolment can exacerbate these issues.

One of the main challenges faced by low-income, first-generation students is a lack of financial stability. Many of these students come from low-income families and may have to work full-time while studying to support themselves or their families. Over-enrolment can lead to increased competition for jobs and resources, making it even more difficult for these students to balance work and academic commitments. Additionally, low-income students may be less likely to have the financial knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complex financial system of higher education, including understanding how to apply for financial aid or choose an affordable institution.

Another issue exacerbated by over-enrolment is the lack of college readiness among low-income, first-generation students. These students often attend underfunded schools with fewer qualified teachers, resulting in inadequate preparation for the academic rigour of college. They may also have limited access to college guidance and counselling services, making it difficult to navigate the college application process, choose an appropriate institution, and receive the necessary financial aid. With increased enrolment, the competition for limited resources and support services becomes even more fierce, further disadvantaging these students.

The impact of over-enrolment on low-income, first-generation students can also be seen in the area of familial support. Many low-income parents view college as a venture for the rich and may not understand the time and academic focus required. With over-enrolment, the pressure on institutional resources increases, and the level of individual support and guidance available to students may decrease. This can further isolate low-income, first-generation students, who already face challenges in navigating the higher education system due to a lack of "college knowledge" and family guidance.

Furthermore, over-enrolment can contribute to a sense of outsider status and marginalisation among low-income, first-generation students. These students may already struggle to find their place within the collegiate atmosphere due to differences in cultural background, socioeconomic status, and levels of college preparation. With increased enrolment, the competition for social integration and the formation of supportive peer groups becomes more intense. This can lead to low-income, first-generation students feeling even more alienated and struggling to find their place within the college community.

Lastly, over-enrolment can impact the availability of academic support services, which are crucial for the success of low-income, first-generation students. These students often require additional academic support and developmental coursework to succeed. However, with increased enrolment, there may be longer wait times for tutoring, increased competition for work-study jobs, and reduced access to professors and advisors. This can create additional barriers for low-income, first-generation students, who may already be struggling to keep up with their more privileged peers.

In conclusion, while over-enrolment is an issue that affects all students, it disproportionately impacts low-income, first-generation students. These students face unique challenges and obstacles, and over-enrolment can exacerbate these issues by increasing competition for jobs, resources, and support services. It is important for institutions to recognise the specific needs of this student population and implement targeted interventions to ensure their success.

Online applications make yield rates harder to predict

The University of California at Irvine found itself in a difficult situation when 7,100 incoming freshmen accepted admission offers—850 more than the university had expected. This is an example of a broader issue, as admissions yield rates have become harder to predict over the past decade, according to experts. The rise of online applications has been a significant factor in this unpredictability.

Online applications have made it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges, which, in turn, has made it more challenging for universities to forecast their yield rates—the proportion of accepted students who decide to enrol. David Hawkins, the executive director for educational content and policy at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, has stated that the unpredictability of admissions creates a "two-way contract" between the student and the college. When a student accepts an offer, the college is obligated to provide them with a spot.

The University of California at Irvine's approach to managing over-enrolment was to rescind the acceptances of about 500 students just two months before the start of the fall term. This hard-line approach was criticised for potentially disadvantaging low-income and first-generation students disproportionately. Irvine's student government proposed an alternative solution, suggesting that administrators defer the students to community college with the option to transfer to the Irvine campus later.

To address housing and academic facility shortages, the University of California at Berkeley has established and expanded its Fall Program for Freshmen. This program offers students classes in San Francisco or at an off-campus location in Berkeley for their first semester, before matriculating in the spring. Additionally, newly admitted freshmen can apply to study abroad in London for the fall semester through the Global Edge program.

Universities are having to implement creative solutions to manage over-enrolment and housing shortages. While these issues present challenges, universities typically strive to accommodate all the students they have offered places to, even if it means stretching their resources.

Housing shortages are a common issue

The University of California, Irvine, faced a similar issue when they accidentally over-enrolled by 850 students. They offered an "Anteater Leadership Academy" program to admitted in-state students, providing smaller class sizes and leadership classes at a discounted rate. However, this program was criticized for only being available to middle and upper-class students who could afford it.

Housing shortages can also disproportionately affect low-income and first-generation students, who may not have the same backup options as their wealthier peers. This was the case at Irvine, where some students from these backgrounds had their admissions offers revoked.

To manage over-enrollment, universities may also defer students to community college with the option to transfer later or encourage students to study abroad for their first semester.

Colleges get creative with housing solutions

Housing shortages are a common issue that colleges face, often due to overenrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. While it is a challenging situation, colleges have come up with innovative ways to address the problem and ensure that students have a place to stay.

One approach is to utilise existing spaces more efficiently. This may involve placing three students in rooms built for two, which is a quick solution but can be uncomfortable and cramped. Alternatively, colleges may rent out hotels or local apartments to accommodate the excess students. This strategy provides more space for students but requires the college to secure additional resources and may incur additional costs.

In some cases, colleges have implemented creative programs to address housing shortages. For example, the University of California, Irvine, introduced the "Anteater Leadership Academy," a program offered to in-state students at a reduced tuition rate. The program does not provide campus housing but instead offers a partnership with a local apartment complex, providing an alternative housing option for students. Similarly, the University of California, Berkeley, established the Fall Program for Freshmen, which includes classes in San Francisco or at an off-campus location in Berkeley, helping to alleviate on-campus housing demand.

Another innovative solution was employed by Tulane University in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The university leased a cruise ship to provide living accommodations for hundreds of students, faculty, and staff members who were displaced by the storm. This unique approach ensured that the university community had a safe and comfortable place to stay while the campus recovered from the hurricane's impact.

While colleges strive to honour their commitments to admitted students, it is important to acknowledge that overenrollment can strain resources and lead to creative but sometimes uncomfortable or inequitable housing solutions.

Frequently asked questions