News Article

Edison's Enrollment Shift Mirrors Philosophical Change

Aug 23, 2012

Higher education enrollment throughout the country is in decline, and Southwest Florida is not immune to that trend with Edison State College experiencing a 12 percent dip in full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment, which is subject to change as late registrations continue. Overall, the current student headcount for Fall, which encompasses all students, is at 14,989.

It’s the first decline in unduplicated headcount for Southwest Florida’s largest higher education institution since Fall 2006, when the college experienced a 1.7 percent decrease. At this time last year, the total headcount enrollment was 16,884. In the past five years, the college experienced a 50 percent increase in enrollment.

While Edison State College is similar to other colleges in adjusting to declining enrollments, the Allbritten Era brings a renewed emphasis on graduation rates, meaning that the percentage of students who graduate with their desired degree is as important as the total number of students who attend Edison State.

“Florida has signed on to ‘Complete College America,’ a national movement to increase the number of students completing certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees,” said Dr. Allbritten, President, Edison State College. “We’re going to be looking at what are you doing for retention because it’s as important to retain a student as it is to get a new one.”

Dr. Allbritten’s commitment also has extended to administrative hires, as Edison State has hired its first Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability, Dr. Jeff Stewart, who starts August 31. This office will elevate the importance of data-driven decisions to increase effectiveness.

Last Updated: August 23, 2012