,

Mitigating the Impact of the 2026-2027 Enrollment Cliff: Strategic Solutions for Community Colleges

As we approach the 2026-2027 “Enrollment Cliff,” with high school graduate numbers peaking in 2025, community colleges across the country are preparing for a shift in enrollment trends. With fewer traditional-age students on the horizon, it’s becoming clear that adapting strategically will be key to maintaining—and even growing—enrollment in the years ahead.

At CLARUS, we work closely with community colleges to help navigate these challenges. In this post, we’ll explore how your institution can focus on attracting non-traditional students, expanding dual enrollment programs, growing online offerings, and strengthening community partnerships to minimize the impact of these changes and set your college up for success.

Targeting Non-Traditional Students: A Growing Opportunity

With over 37 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 who have some college experience but no credential (SCNC), community colleges have a tremendous opportunity to reach adult learners looking to advance their skills, shift careers, or finally complete that degree they started. These students typically need flexibility, additional support, and clear pathways to help them achieve their goals.

What We Know About Adult Learners:

  • Age Range: Generally 25-54 years old, many are juggling work, family, and other responsibilities.
  • Motivations: They’re often driven by career advancement, changes in the job market, or the desire to boost their earning potential.
  • Challenges: They need programs that fit into their busy lives—affordable options, flexible schedules, and a clear return on investment for their education are essential.

Successfully reaching this audience requires a strategic approach that includes building personas, tapping into your institution’s data, and using targeted marketing campaigns. For example, we worked with Anoka Technical College, which saw a 17% increase in core headcount and a 50% jump in non-degree-seeking students after focusing efforts on attracting adult learners.

Enhancing Dual Enrollment Conversion

Dual enrollment programs are a fantastic way for high school students to earn college credit before graduating, giving them a head start on their degrees. But we all know the challenge doesn’t stop there—getting these students to convert into full-time enrollees requires a focused strategy.

Proven Marketing Tactics:

  • Targeted Campaigns: Engage not just students but also parents and key influencers who are part of the decision-making process.
  • Messaging That Resonates: Emphasize the cost savings and faster path to degree completion that dual enrollment offers.
  • Digital Outreach: Use tools like addressable geofencing and social media to reach students and their families where they spend time online.

We’ve seen firsthand how effective these approaches can be. Anoka-Ramsey Community College, for example, saw a 47% increase in postsecondary enrollment options from 2019 to 2024 after implementing these tactics.

Expanding Online Program Enrollment

The pandemic completely changed how many students view online education, and community colleges have adapted by expanding their online program offerings. These programs appeal not only to adult learners but also to traditional students who want more flexibility in their schedules. Recent studies have shown that many community colleges are continuing to offer at least half of their courses online in response to student demand. Even if your college doesn’t have fully online programs, it’s still valuable to highlight which courses can be completed online.

To stay competitive and continue growing online enrollment, it’s important to focus on a few key areas:

  • Boosting Perceived Quality: Ensure that potential students see online programs as just as valuable and robust as in-person options.
  • Broadening Your Marketing Reach: Highlight the flexibility and convenience of online learning in your outreach, making sure students know it can fit into their busy lives.
  • Targeting Returning Students: Reach out to students who paused their education because of life or career changes—online programs can offer them the chance to get back on track.

We’ve seen many colleges find success by refining their online program marketing. By showcasing flexibility and a commitment to quality, community colleges can better serve a wider range of students.

Building Strong Community and Employer Relationships

Building strong partnerships with local employers can truly be a game-changer for community colleges. When you offer tailored training programs, internships, and stackable credentials that align with the needs of local industries, you’re not just driving enrollment—you’re setting your students up for long-term success. Stackable credentials, in particular, are an effective way to engage current students, attract new ones, and even bring back former students who are looking to enhance their skills in a flexible manner.

Key Strategic Initiatives:

  • Develop programs that provide ongoing learning opportunities for local professionals looking to upskill or reskill.
  • Offer flexible learning formats that cater to working adults and fit into their busy schedules.
  • Use data to identify local industry needs and develop programs that meet those demands, ensuring you’re preparing students for the right careers.

At CLARUS, we’ve seen firsthand how effective these strategies can be in strengthening both enrollment and community ties. By focusing on employer relationships and relevant program offerings, your college can become an even more valuable resource for both students and local businesses.

Navigating the Cliff with Data-Driven Strategies

The upcoming enrollment cliff doesn’t have to mean a downturn for community colleges. By focusing on non-traditional students, improving dual enrollment conversions, expanding online learning opportunities, and building strong community and employer partnerships, institutions can continue to thrive and support their communities. The key is having a clear, data-driven marketing strategy that aligns your goals with the needs of today’s students.

At CLARUS, we specialize in helping community colleges develop these tailored strategies. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to help your institution successfully navigate these changes and continue growing.

/by