IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL RECESSION ON PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES: THE WINNERS AND LOSERS

The global economic downturn has dealt public universities a crushing blow in the US, with shrinking budgets chocking off access in a climate of increasing demand for higher education. Conversely, enrollment in private for profit and private not-for-profit universities has begun to soar. As public institutions of higher education attempt to address budget shortfalls, marginally subscribed programs are being cut and students are seeking other alternatives to meet their needs. This dynamic has created opportunities for more nimble institutions who can respond rapidly to the changing economic climate and student demands. Further exacerbating the situation are the trends in online and hybrid instruction at all levels of education across the country, which have long been embraced by private colleges and universities. Public universities, with more conservative faculty, often represented by unions, have been slow to adopt technology delivery systems as a means of keeping pace with student demands and shrinking resources. The global recession has accelerated this dynamic between the public and private sector of higher education. Profiles of “winner” institutions, coupled with market research and emerging trends will provide attendees with insight into strategies successful institutions have adopted to meet the global demand for higher education. The pitfalls to be avoided as exemplified by “loser” institutions will also be highlighted.