Enrollment at Georgia's public universities fell overall for the second year in a row, according to data released from the University System of Georgia.
That data shows enrollment at the 26 public colleges and universities fell by 1.8%, or near 6,200 students. Officials pointed to several reasons for the recent declines:
- The impact of the pandemic, which has contributed to lower college enrollment nationally;
- financial uncertainty;
- and a job market that has pushed some students to go to work instead of school.
This year, eight Georgia schools saw enrollment increases. They include Augusta University, Gordon State College, the University of Georgia, South Georgia State College, Georgia Gwinnett College, Kennesaw State University and Albany State University.
UGA’s enrollment, however, grew by 1.2%.
During remarks this week at a meeting of the Georgia Board of Regents, Chancellor Sonny Perdue says system officials will dissect the data and look at ways to increase numbers in specific areas, including a review of policies that impact dual-enrolled high school students and recruiting more adult learners.
