Prosperity or a collapsing institution?

By: Rick Pollo

It is no new news that Youngstown State University’s enrollment rates are higher than they’ve been in three decades. This is a statistic that has not only boosted the university’s credibility but has proven to be beneficial to it as well. When enrollment is high, funding is high. And when funding is high, student loans and grants are even higher. In turn, enrollment, especially that of non-traditional and returning students, becomes even higher. But beneath the surface, it’s not all high times.

Easy come, easy go.

Unfortunately, the statistics hint that a number of students who withdraw within their first few semesters receive loans and student aid but do not graduate. According to YSU’s Office of Financial Aid, more than half of the students attending the university receive some form of student aid. So is all this money just being wasted? Well, if a student registers and applies for the aid, receives it, and then withdraws quickly thereafter, then yes. Many students abuse the system by qualifying for student aid only to later drop out and walk away with some extra cash in their pockets.

Youngstown State currently has a graduation rate of only 36 percent after four years; meaning close to two-thirds of the registered students will end up dropping out before they receive a degree.

YSU is an easy access sort of school, in its open enrollment policy and ample financial aid, scholarships, and opportunities for student loans and state and federal grants. This is certainly a direct contributing factor to the university’s high enrollment as well as the large portion of non-traditional students found throughout the campus. The ease of returning to (or arriving late) to college equals a lot of people jumping on the college bandwagon.

A common explanation of such resurgence to the college campus, both here in Youngstown and abroad, is the slumped economy and lack of security in well-paying jobs. A lot of non-traditional students feel that returning to school and receiving a degree will boost their chances in finding a job that’ll secure them in a career and life path. Traditional college students are probably on the same page, even though their experiences in the job market are limited. Receiving a college degree just tends to be a wise decision.

However, there is still the matter of those not making it to the end. If this trend of low graduation continues, Youngstown State will quickly lose its funding outlets and credibility, therefore possibly having to end its open enrollment and student loan opportunities.

It is time the entire campus becomes aware of this misuse of financial aid. Students should be aware of the repercussions of failing out of or leaving college halfway through and appreciate the opportunities they’re given at this university. It’s not the job of financial aid advisors to deny students these opportunities, nor would we want to encourage it, but maybe it’s time it was brought to their attention more vividly. These numbers could prove detrimental to Youngstown State University, and perhaps it’s an issue the new president should look into hastily if the school is to continue to prosper.