Analysis by Lending Tree
In a brand new analysis of student enrollment by state and institution, LendingTree researchers found that between 2002 and 2021, college enrollment across Arizona increased by 52.9%, followed by West Virginia (41.1%) and Georgia (36.9%).
Data also show that Arizona experienced the 5th lowest rise (57.6%) in the cost of private tuition, fees, and room and board in this period. Additionally, the overall cost of attending a public institution in Arizona increased by 200.2%.
Other key takeaways:
- Alaska saw the most significant drop in enrollment in this period. The state was one of 13 where enrollment dropped between 2002 and 2021 — the latest year for which data was available. Alaska saw a 29.2% decline in this period, followed by Michigan (down 20.5%) and Illinois (down 13.0%).
- In the 20 years Lending Tree analyzed, the 50 largest private colleges saw enrollment grow slightly faster than the 50 largest public colleges. Between 2002 and 2021, enrollment at these private colleges grew 24.1%, versus 21.0% among the public colleges. Brigham Young University-Idaho registered the biggest private jump (314.0%), while the Lone Star College System in Texas saw the biggest public increase (116.6%).
- The cost of tuition, fees, and room and board more than doubled for undergrads at public and private four-year colleges in the same period. Costs jumped 131.9% at public schools — from $9,199 to $21,337 — and 101.6% at private schools — from $22,968 to $46,313. Kentucky saw the biggest public jump (202.8%), while Texas (174.3%) saw the biggest private jump between 2002 and 2021.
Full report >> https://www.lendingtree.com/student/student-enrollment-by-state-study
