OK, we all have seen (and many have experienced!) the sharp rise in FAFSA applications during the first six months of 2008 (see earlier SLA post). I wanted to dive deeper into the numbers to see if there were any discernible trends between public/private and 2 year/4 year school categories and the increase in FAFSA applications. So, let's cut to the chase...the answer is surprisingly NO. There are remarkable similarities in the rate of increase across all school types. Let's go to the numbers..
This analysis, unlike the earlier SLA post on FAFSA applications, focused strictly on those schools that received more than 1,000 FAFSA applications for first six months of 2008. All of the analyses below compare the first six months of 2007 to the corresponding period for 2008.
Here are the highlights:
- Overall, this cohort of over 1,800 schools saw an increase of 22.3% in FAFSA applications in the first six months of 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007.
- In comparing 2-year and 4-year schools, 2-year institutions saw a 23.1% increase in 2008 as compared to 4-year institutions which saw a 22.1% increase. Non-degree programs saw an increase of 22.0%.
- In comparing public, private and proprietary schools, the increases in FAFSA applications were also very similar (in a range between 20.4% and 22.6%) as the table below indicates:
2008 | |
School Type | Growth |
Public | 22.6% |
Private | 21.6% |
Proprietary | 20.4% |
Takeaways: So, what explains these consistent increases (20%+) in FAFSA applications across all school types? Given the state of the economy and student demographics (largest high school graduating class in history), these consistent increases likely reflect a combination of increased applications and a higher percentage of those applying seeking financial aid and therefore completing the FAFSA.
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