Indiana University has seen declining summer enrollment at its Bloomington campus despite growth during the traditional academic year.
The Herald-Times reports that about 1,000 more students enrolled at the Bloomington campus in fall 2017 compared with fall 2011. Summer enrollment at the flagship campus declined by more than 800 students over the same time period.
University officials cite the growing economy as the decline’s primary driver because more people choose to enter the labor market instead of attending college. They also say fewer students need to take summer classes to graduate on time because they’re starting college with more credits from high school
Officials say the decline is a positive development because students will have more opportunities for summer employment and are graduating faster.