Eighth Annual Comparative Research Study 2011 Discounting Report Private colleges limit discounting, increase net revenue This annual report summarizes the previous fall’s outcomes and long-term trends of a sizable sample of private colleges across the U.S. The report is based on the aggregated freshman data of 139 institutions that partnered with Noel-Levitz to strategically manage their financial aid during 2009-2010. For context, the report includes comparison data from similar sets of institutions that used Noel-Levitz services in 2008-2009 and earlier. Among the highlights: • The overall discount rate for fall 2010 rose 1.2 percent compared to fall 2009, from 36.1 percent to 37.3 percent, for institutions using Noel-Levitz support. From 20002008, the discount rate for institutions that partnered with Noel-Levitz ranged between 32.3 percent and 34.1 percent. See Chart 5 inside. • Average unfunded gift aid per incoming first-year student was $12,143 for fall 2010, up from $11,174 in fall 2009. In addition, an average of 76.9 percent of the institutionally-funded merit aid/scholarship awards made by these colleges and universities went directly to meet financial need. See Chart 6 and Table 2 inside. • Increased discounting resulted in a 7.7 percent average increase in overall net revenue for fall 2010. See Table 1 inside. • On average, freshman enrollment increased 5.2 percent in fall 2010 despite another rise in student need levels. See Table 1 and Table 2 inside. • From 2000-2010, the colleges and universities that partnered with Noel-Levitz have seen average, per-student net revenue increase 48.2 percent. See Chart 3 inside. Readers are encouraged to compare their own institutional discounting data to the findings in this report. To learn how the 139 institutions in this study managed their aid awards and kept their discount rates in check, please see page 9. The source of data This report examines the aggregated freshman data of 139 private colleges and universities that used Noel-Levitz consulting and statistical resources to guide their strategic award management during 2009-2010. Included in the report are the institutions’ fall 2010 outcomes as well as their tuition increase figures. The institutions were spread throughout every region of the United States. For the names of the institutions, please see the list on page 10. For context, the report also includes comparison data from similar sets of institutions that used Noel-Levitz services in 2008-2009 and earlier. This annual report summarizes the previous fall’s outcomes and long-term trends of a sizable sample of institutions across the U.S. Definitions Overall discount rate: Unfunded gift aid as a percentage of gross revenue. (See highlighted section below—Noel-Levitz discounting definition.) Tuition discount rate (NACUBO): Funded and unfunded gift aid as a percentage of tuition and fee revenue. Unfunded gift aid: Grants, scholarships, and other gift aid provided from unrestricted accounts. This excludes gift aid supported by endowments or restricted gifts and grants. Funded institutional aid: Institutional scholarship and grant funds from an endowed or restricted fund. Gross revenue: Gross tuition, fees, and room and board for first-time, full-time students. Need: Student budget minus Expected Family Contribution, as defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Noel-Levitz discounting definition Overall discount = rate Unfunded gift aid Gross revenue (including room and board) When calculating discount rates, studies and campus officials often include tuition and fees but exclude room and board. This is true, for example, of past studies released by NACUBO, the National Association of College and University Business Officers. However, especially for residential campuses, Noel-Levitz recommends including room and board fees in the denominator. This approach allows institutions to more accurately identify revenue flows tied to enrolling students. 2 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report In addition, the Noel-Levitz definition of discounting focuses on unfunded/ unrestricted gift aid—sources of aid over which institutions have discretion and control. We believe this definition offers a more accurate view of discounting than including restricted funds (primarily endowed) given that such sources of aid are paid from monies unavailable for other uses. Net revenue rises 7.7 percent on average across all sectors for fall 2010 As shown in Table 1 below, average overall net revenue from first-year students for fall 2010 increased for the institutions in this study by 7.7 percent. At the same time, the institutions’ average discount rate was 37.3 percent, up slightly from 36.1 percent in 2009. Also for 2010, average gross revenue per student rose 5.3 percent (please refer to page 6 for the latter percentage and for year-to-year comparisons on per-student revenue). Table 1: 2010 Freshman Data by Institution Type Private Institution Type Average Average Unfunded Percent of Institutional Need Met Gift Aid Average Tuition Increase Average Overall Discount Rate for Freshmen Average Tuition Average Discount Increase in Rate for Freshman Freshmen Enrollment (NACUBO) Average Overall Increase in Net Revenue From Freshmen Small College, Low Tuition (SCLT) $9,982 74.6% 4.6% 36.3% 48.0% 2.6% 5.7% Small College, High Tuition (SCHT) $14,606 76.8% 4.4% 39.7% 51.4% 8.1% 9.9% Large College or University (LCU) $13,312 74.1% 4.4% 34.3% 43.7% 6.5% 10.8% All Institutions $12,143 75.4% 4.5% 37.3% 48.7% 5.2% 7.7% TM Although the uncertain economy continued to bring concern to many private colleges in fall 2010, the institutions in this study were able to increase their overall net revenue 7.7 percent on average while limiting the increase in discounting to 1.2 percent on average. Note that the average freshman discount rate is shown in two ways, using Noel-Levitz’s definition of an overall discount rate (see page 2 at bottom) and the definition of NACUBO. Both rates were calculated by Noel-Levitz. “These campuses have been able to restrain the increase in their discount rates, meet their enrollment goals, and experience a net revenue gain at a time when the market has become highly price sensitive and student need is increasing,” said Noel-Levitz President Kevin Crockett. “The overall net revenue growth exceeded 7.7 percent across all institutional types, resulting from enrollment growth and growth in average net revenue per student. This growth in overall operational revenue is enabling these schools to reinvest in the quality of their educational programs.” The findings above show a breakdown of the data by private institution type, using the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) breakdowns: Small College, Low Tuition (SCLT); Small College, High Tuition (SCHT); and Large College or University (LCU). Consistent with past NACUBO discount studies, SCLTs and SCHTs had a higher average overall discount rate than LCUs. For those who are unfamiliar, SCLTs have a tuition and mandatory fee rate of less than $25,000 and enroll less than 850 full-time, first-year students; SCHTs have a tuition and mandatory fee rate of more than or equal to $25,000 and enroll less than 850 full-time, first-year students; and LCUs enroll more than 850 full-time, first-year students. More than three-quarters of merit aid met need As shown on the next page, an average of 76.6 percent of the institutions’ merit aid went to meet financial need as defined by the federally-mandated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “We were encouraged to see that more than three-quarters of the merit aid awarded by these institutions is continuing to address need,” said Crockett. “In today’s environment, with the close scrutiny of merit versus need-based aid, it is important for institutions and agencies to monitor the overlap between merit aid and financial need as they develop their plans and shape their policies.” © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • www.noellevitz.com 3 Uncontrolled escalation of the discount rate can make it very difficult for colleges to earn the revenue they need to thrive. To learn how these colleges are keeping their discount rates in check with support from Noel-Levitz, see page 9. Student need levels continue to rise Below, Table 2 documents the increased need levels in fall 2010 and how the 139 institutions were able to respond. The percent of freshmen who filed a FAFSA increased slightly while the average parental income dropped to $90,812, down two percent from fall 2009, and the average EFC (Expected Family Contribution) dropped to $14,582, down four percent from fall 2009. The result was an average need of $25,518. In response, the colleges in this study were able to meet 75.4 percent of need, leaving an unmet average need of $8,996—a 15 percent increase from fall 2009 and a 134 percent increase from fall 2008. In addition, the colleges and universities in this study continued to direct more than threequarters of institutionally-funded merit aid/scholarship awards to meet need, with 76.9 percent of merit aid awarded to meet need in 2010. Table 2: Recent Trends in Financial Aid Applications, EFC, and Aspects of Need Average Need Average Percent of Need Met Average Percent of Merit Aid Which Met Need Average Unmet Need $17,658 $19,201 82.5% 72.0% $3,852 $87,311 $17,573 $20,551 84.8% 73.0% $3,779 84.1% $90,312 $18,526 $21,783 85.8% 76.0% $3,843 2009-10 87.5% $93,029 $15,200 $23,559 76.6% 80.0% $7,838 2010-11 87.6% $90,812 $14,582 $25,518 75.4% 76.9% $8,996 Percent of Freshmen* Who Filed a FAFSA Average Parental Income Average EFC 2006-07 83.2% $83,446 2007-08 83.4% 2008-09 Academic Year for Which Aid Was Requested There is a perception among some in higher education that merit aid fails to address need. However, the data from the colleges and universities in this study show that 76.9 percent of institutionally funded merit aid/scholarship awards in fall 2010 went to meet need. TM The proportion of FAFSA filers among enrolled freshmen increased slightly to 87.6 percent in fall 2010 while average unmet need rose 15 percent, reaching a new level of $8,996. * Includes all incoming prospective first-year students who filed FASFAs prior to enrolling and proceeded to enroll at any of the 139 institutions in this study. Note that a large number of factors may have contributed to the increased need, including the “Need Shift” shown in Chart 1 on the next page and a decline in family assets. Because need is defined as budget less EFC, the growth of tuition and fees outpacing EFC and the decline in parental income likely contributed to this increase as well. The fluctuating family income between fall 2006 and fall 2010 shown in Table 2 could be due to a combination of changes in the family and financial backgrounds of students at both ends of the financial spectrum, i.e. a drop in the proportion of less affluent families and an increase in the proportion of more affluent families in the sample. 4 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report A closer look at rising need levels The charts below offer additional perspective on students’ rising need levels and the enrollment success of institutions in this year’s study. Chart 1 shows the increased need levels of students. The proportion of enrolled students that demonstrated financial need increased 11.4 percent between fall 2010 and fall 2009 while the percentage of no-need, merit-aid-only students declined 9.3 percent, continuing similar results from a year earlier. (Between fall 2008 and fall 2009, the proportion of enrolled students that demonstrated financial need increased 18.8 percent and the percentage of no-need, merit-aid-only students declined 17.4 percent.) Chart 2 shows the enrollment increase reported in Table 1 on page 3 came from a relatively balanced distribution of academic ability levels. The colleges and universities in this study saw increases in fall 2010 in all five of the five academic tiers used by the institutions to assess academic ability.* This balanced distribution is noteworthy, as it followed an uneven academic distribution a year earlier when declines of 3.2 percent and 3.5 percent were evident between fall 2009 and fall 2008 among students with averageto-below-average academic credentials (students in Level 3 and Level 4, respectively). Chart 1: Change in Proportion of Freshmen With Need by Need Level, Fall 2010 Versus Fall 2009 Chart 2: Change in Freshman Enrollment by Academic Level, Fall 2010 Versus Fall 2009 One-year change in freshman enrollment One-year change in proportion of students demonstrating need 25.0% 20.0% 17.8% 15.0% Relatively Balanced Academic Ability Levels Need Shift 11.4% 9.0% 8.2% 10.0% 6.3% 5.0% 6.0% 0.0% 6.3% 5.4% 4.4% -5.0% 3.0% -10.0% -9.3% -15.0% 0.0% -20.0% TM TM High Need Any Need No Need/Merit Need Level Students with greater need enrolled in greater numbers in fall 2010 while students with greater capacity to pay enrolled in smaller numbers, continuing a pattern that emerged in fall 2009. Note that “High Need” was defined by the institutions in this study as the highest fifth of incoming freshmen in terms of need and typically included Pell-eligible enrollees. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Academic Ability Level* In fall 2010, enrollment increased in all five of the five academic tiers used by the institutions in this study to assess academic ability—even among students with average-to-below-average academic credentials (Level 3 and Level 4), two groups that had declined in enrollment in fall 2009. * The five academic levels shown in Chart 2 were defined differently by each institution in this study but served the common purpose of grouping students into five levels of academic ability. © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • www.noellevitz.com 5 Steady growth in net revenue and enrollments has afforded campuses using Noel-Levitz support with additional resources to improve the quality of student life and learning during a time of increased cost pressures on higher education. Positive 2010 was a continuation of a 10-year trend Following a static year between fall 2008 and fall 2009, fall 2010 outcomes resumed a continuing 10-year trend. From 2000-2010, institutions following Noel-Levitz recommendations have experienced an average, per-student net revenue increase of 48.2 percent, as shown in Chart 3, reflecting a combination of prudent financial aid awarding and increasing enrollments. Over the same period, average gross revenue per student rose 61.8 percent, as shown in Chart 4. This steady growth in net revenue and enrollments has afforded these campuses additional resources to improve the quality of student life and learning during a time of increased cost pressures on higher education. This has proved especially important as campuses have expanded to meet the growing numbers and needs of new students, requiring greater investments in classroom space, dormitories, and technology. Net revenue can also be recycled back into the pool of unfunded gift aid to attract more, better, or different students. Chart 3: Average Net Revenue Per Student, 2000-2010 $20,292 (Tuition, fees, room, and board) $20,000 $19,338 $19,000 $19,660 $19,649 2008 2009 $18,187 $18,000 $17,445 $16,670 $17,000 $15,640 $16,000 $14,954 $15,000 $14,000 $13,690 $14,199 $13,000 $12,000 $11,000 $10,000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2010 TM Chart 4: Average Gross Revenue Per Student, 2000-2010 (Tuition, fees, room, and board) $32,702 $33,000 $29,910 $31,000 $28,918 $29,000 $26,206 $27,000 $27,247 $25,083 $25,000 $22,432 $23,000 $21,000 $31,060 $20,212 $23,576 $21,117 $19,000 $17,000 $15,000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 TM Over the past decade, average net revenue per first-year student has increased 48.2 percent for institutions using Noel-Levitz support, while average gross revenue per first-year student has increased 61.8 percent, as shown in Charts 3 and 4 above. 6 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report Overall discount rate averaged 37.3 percent As shown in Chart 5, the discount rate for fall 2010 increased 1.2 percent, from 36.1 percent to 37.3 percent, for institutions using Noel-Levitz support. From 2000-2008, the discount rate ranged between 32.3 percent and 34.1 percent. “There is little doubt that macro-economic forces following the recession have pushed discount rates higher the past two years,” said Kevin Crockett, Noel-Levitz president and CEO. “Yet, overall, these campuses have been able to increase their net revenue per student and total net revenue.” “Minimizing changes to the discount rate is not a matter of happenstance, but the result of a careful and systematic planning process driven by data,” added Crockett. “Given the volatility of the current environment, it is increasingly important that campuses use the most sophisticated tools and processes to manage their enrollments and net revenue.” Chart 5: Average Overall Discount Rate, 2000-2010 (See Noel-Levitz definition page 2) 40% 36.1% 37% 34% 32.3% 32.8% 33.3% 33.7% 33.5% 33.4% 33.1% 33.0% 37.3% 34.1% 31% 28% 25% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 TM Following a decade of stability when overall discount rates at private colleges and universities using Noel-Levitz support ranged from 32.3 percent to 34.1 percent, the average rate has crept upward the past two years, but this year’s increase was contained to only 1.2 percent. © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • www.noellevitz.com 7 Unfunded gift aid increases For institutions in this study, unfunded gift aid for fall 2010 rose to $12,143, an increase of 8.7 percent over fall 2009, as shown in Chart 6. The increase continued a 10-year upward trend. Chart 6: Average Unfunded Institutional Aid Per Student, 2000-2010 (Excludes gift aid from endowment or other restricted grants and awards) $12,143 $12,000 $11,174 $11,000 $10,250 $10,000 $9,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,522 $7,478 $7,936 2002 2003 $8,413 $8,761 $9,054 $9,580 $6,918 $6,000 $5,000 2000 2001 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Average unfunded gift aid has steadily increased over the past decade for institutions using Noel-Levitz services, reaching a new high of $12,143 in fall 2010. 8 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report TM How the institutions in this study managed their aid awards and kept their discount rates in check Although few institutions will remain untouched by the current economic and demographic realities, well-managed private colleges that are able to wisely cut and control costs, remain affordable, demonstrate their value, and leverage financial aid resources will be best positioned to weather what is expected to be a prolonged storm. The institutions in this study all followed Noel-Levitz recommendations for awarding their financial aid. By creating statistical models based on past financial and enrollment data for each school, Noel-Levitz provided consultation and statistical resources that helped these institutions calculate the aid packages needed to enroll specific populations of students. This approach allows campuses to pinpoint precisely how much aid to award a particular student in order to influence that student to enroll. As a result, campuses are better able to: • Meet the growing financial need of today’s student population; • Calculate the aid packages needed to reach certain enrollment goals, such as improving the academic profile and diversity of the student body; and • Maximize financial aid coverage in an era of shrinking resources. These schools were able to avoid over-awarding students and to carefully identify student needs, allowing them to stretch their pool of available aid even further. “Strategic financial aid management allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your awards to enhance student recruitment and retention,” says Kevin Crockett, Noel-Levitz president and CEO. “You can drill down to specific segments of your student population and make the appropriate merit and need-based awards. Ultimately, you can justify every aid dollar you spend toward achieving your enrollment goals.” © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • www.noellevitz.com 9 The institutions in this study all followed Noel-Levitz recommendations for awarding their financial aid. The institutions also received information on the potential impact of tuition changes. Institutions Noel-Levitz served in 2009-2010 with strategic financial aid management The institutions in this study all followed Noel-Levitz recommendations for awarding their financial aid. American International College (MA) Aquinas College (MI) Ashland University (OH) Assumption College (MA) Augustana College (IL) Aurora University (IL) Averett University (VA) Bay Path College (MA) Baylor University (TX) Benedictine College (KS) Biola University (CA) Bluffton University (OH) Brescia University (KY) Brewton-Parker College (GA) California College of the Arts (CA) Canisius College (NY) Cardinal Stritch University (WI) Carroll College (MT) Carroll University (WI) Central College (IA) Chapman University (CA) Charleston Southern University (SC) Clearwater Christian College (FL) Coker College (SC) Colorado Christian University (CO) Columbia College (SC) Concordia University at Chicago (IL) Concordia University at Saint Paul (MN) Converse College (SC) Cornerstone University (MI) Creighton University (NE) Crown College (MN) Delaware Valley College (PA) Dominican University of California (CA) Drake University (IA) East Texas Baptist University (TX) Eastern University (PA) Eckerd College (FL) Edgewood College (WI) Elmira College (NY) Emory & Henry College (VA) Fisher College (MA) Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH) Fresno Pacific University (CA) Georgian Court University (NJ) Graceland University (IA) Holy Family University (PA) Hood College (MD) Houston Baptist University (TX) Indiana Institute of Technology (IN) Keystone College (PA) LaSalle University (PA) Lenoir-Rhyne College (NC) LeTourneau University (TX) 10 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report Lewis University (IL) Lincoln Memorial University (TN) Linfield College (OR) Lynchburg College (VA) Marywood University (PA) McPherson College (KS) Menlo College (CA) Mercer University (GA) Messiah College (PA) Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (WI) Milwaukee School of Engineering (WI) Mississippi College (MS) Missouri Baptist University (MO) Montserrat College of Art (MA) Mount Mary College (WI) Mount St. Mary’s College (CA) Muskingum College (OH) New York Institute of Technology (NY) Niagara University (NY) North Park University (IL) Northwestern College (MN) Northwood University (FL) Northwood University (MI) Northwood University (TX) Norwich University (VT) Notre Dame de Namur University (CA) Ohio Dominican University (OH) Oral Roberts University (OK) Paul Smith’s College (NY) Pratt Institute (NY) Queens University (NC) Regis University (CO) Rider University (NJ) Robert Morris University (PA) Rockhurst University (MO) Rocky Mountain College (MT) Saint Joseph’s College (IN) Seattle University (WA) Seton Hall University (NJ) Shenandoah University (VA) Southeastern University (FL) Southwest Baptist University (MO) Spring Arbor University (MI) St. Ambrose University (IA) St. Edward’s University (TX) St. John Fisher College (NY) St. John’s University (NY) St. Joseph College (CT) St. Louis University (MO) St. Mary’s University (TX) St. Norbert College (WI) Stetson University (FL) Tabor College (KS) Tennessee Wesleyan College (TN) Texas Wesleyan University (TX) The College of Idaho (ID) The College of New Rochelle (NY) The College of St. Scholastica (MN) Tiffin University (OH) Transylvania University (KY) Tulane University (LA) University of Bridgeport (CT) University of Dallas (TX) University of Denver (CO) University of Findlay (OH) University of Mount Union (OH) University of New England (ME) University of Saint Francis (IN) University of Saint Mary (KS) University of San Diego (CA) University of Tampa (FL) University of the Arts (PA) University of the Incarnate Word (TX) Upper Iowa University (IA) Virginia Wesleyan College (VA) Viterbo University (WI) Warner University (FL) Western New England College (MA) Westminster College (PA) Westminster College (UT) Westmont College (CA) Wilkes University (PA) Wisconsin Lutheran College (WI) Xavier University (OH) Young Harris College (GA) © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • www.noellevitz.com 11 Contact us at: 2350 Oakdale Boulevard Coralville, Iowa 52241-9702 Phone: 800-876-1117 319-626-8380 E-mail: [email protected] Questions about this report? If you have questions about this report, please contact Mitsi Messier, Noel-Levitz vice president, at [email protected], or by calling 1-800-876-1117. Web: www.noellevitz.com • All material in this report is copyright © by Noel-Levitz, Inc. Permission is required, in most cases, to redistribute information from Noel-Levitz, Inc., either in print or electronically. Please contact us at ContactUs@ noellevitz.com about reusing material from this report. Related reports from Noel-Levitz Benchmark Poll Report Series Visit: www.noellevitz.com/BenchmarkReports National Student Satisfaction-Priorities Reports Visit: www.noellevitz.com/SatisfactionReports E-Expectations Report Series Visit: www.noellevitz.com/E-ExpectationsReports National Freshman Attitudes Reports Visit: www.noellevitz.com/AttitudesReports About Noel-Levitz Noel-Levitz is a nationally recognized higher education consulting firm that focuses on strategic planning for enrollment and student success. Each year, campus executives from throughout the U.S. meet regularly with Noel-Levitz to accomplish their goals for student recruitment, marketing, student retention, and strategic enrollment management. Since 1973, Noel-Levitz has partnered with more than 2,700 colleges and universities throughout North America. The firm offers executive consulting, custom research and benchmark data, innovative tools and technologies, side-by-side plan development and execution, and resources for professional development. For more information, visit www.noellevitz.com. How to cite this report Noel-Levitz (2011). 2011 discounting report. Coralville, Iowa: Author. Retrieved from www.noellevitz.com/DiscountingReport Find it online. This report is posted online at www.noellevitz.com/DiscountingReport. Sign up to receive additional reports and updates. Visit our Web page: www.noellevitz.com/Subscribe 12 © 2011 Noel-Levitz, Inc. • 2011 Discounting Report P009 0311
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