Minnesota's community college surge
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Minnesota's college and university enrollment has almost completely rebounded from its COVID-era lows — and a new Minneapolis Federal Reserve report suggests community colleges are a big reason why.
The big picture: Demand for two-year degree or certificate programs is skyrocketing as students balk at high tuition costs, regional higher ed leaders told the Fed.
By the numbers: Between fall 2023 and 2024, enrollment in Minnesota's two-year colleges rose 11.5%, according to estimates from the National Student Clearinghouse.
- Across institutions, enrollment is now nearly 294,000 students — just 3,000 shy of its 2019 level.
The intrigue: The increase came in the first year Minnesota guaranteed tuition-free public college for low-income families.
- Nearly 17,000 students received funds from the program.
Between the lines: A chaotic transition to a new federal student aid application contributed to two-year colleges' rise.
- State leaders had feared a "catastrophic" enrollment decline from these financial aid problems — but rather than skipping college, many students appear to have picked cheaper two-year schools.