Colleges with High Growth Rate?

Hey fam, I came across an article discussing colleges that have significantly grown in recent years. Is this a factor I should consider in my college search? If so, how do I identify such colleges?

This is a unique angle to consider in your college search. A high growth rate could indicate that a college is attracting increased funding, expanding its facilities, or even enhancing program offerings, all of which could greatly benefit you as a student. It's also a sign of a university's dedication to evolving and improving its services for students.

Now, finding such universities might require a bit of legwork since colleges don't typically advertise their growth rates. Here's a suggested method to start your research:

1. Begin with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website, particularly their "College Navigator" tool. This will provide enrollment data over the years which will give you a sense of the growth rate in student populations.

2. Look at university capital campaigns, which are often launched to fund campus improvements and expand programs.

3. Analyze the recent additions of majors, minors, or entire new departments and consider if these align with your interests.

4. Check news sources and the college's blog or news portal for major construction projects or expansions.

5. Reach out directly to the admissions office and ask – they can often provide valuable information, and it can count as demonstrated interest too.

If a growing college also aligns with your academic goals, location preferences, and other factors, it could be a great fit for you. However, remember there can be downsides to rapid growth, such as construction on campus or growing pains as new programs find their footing. As always, your decision should be multifaceted and consider a range of factors.