PhD thesis,
The survival of a small private liberal arts college: A case study
Indiana University, PhD Thesis, (1986)
Abstract
The problem of the study was to examine certain factors involved in the operation of an "invisible college", Franklin College of Indiana, during the years 1970-1971 through 1981-1982, for the purpose of determining how these factors affected the college's enrollment. The research methodology adopted was the case study. Data was collected from college administrative offices, catalogs and written reports. Year to year comparisons were made by putting the information into tables. Major Findings. (1) Enrollment decreased from 779 to 602. (2) Indiana students increased from 50.2 percent to 94.3 percent. (3) Tuition/fees increased 132 percent. (4) Non-tuition income increased 249.5 percent. (5) Financial aid increased 407.7 percent. (6) College deficit grew by 1,634.9 percent. (7) 35 curricular changes took place. (8) Expense per student hour taught increased. (9) Long-range planning minimal. Conclusions. (1) Many inter-related factors affected enrollment. (2) Increased tuituion was not the sole cause of enrollment decline. (3) Gift income increased during periods of real need. (4) Scholarships assisted enrollment. (5) Budgets were based on anticipated enrollment increases resulting in deficits. (6) The turnover in the Director of Admissions position was a negative factor in enrollment. (7) Some curricular changes aided enrollment. (8) Long-range planning assisted enrollment.
