Harvard University has recorded a 20 percent deferment of the incoming first-year class. They have also seen a lower than expected number of students returning to college.
Post coronavirus US school enrollments have been down for many colleges and universities across the country. As the country continues reopening the economy, while still battling the spread of the virus, students have become cautious of returning back to schools and jeopardizing their health.
Havard university first-year class deferments
Harvard University is also struggling with keeping the students in school and restarting their academic calendar year. A new report released by The Chronicle of Higher Education showed that the university had recorded a 20 percent deferment rate for its first-year class. Out of the 1,650 matriculates who had applied to begin their first-year classes once the school reopens, the report indicated that 340 students had decided to stay at home and postpone their education to a later date.
Havard deferment of its first-year class came as a surprise to many who had underestimated the impact the pandemic would have on prestigious universities. Reports dating back as far as April had already indicated that colleges and universities would see a decrease in the number of student applications.
Harvard had also anticipated that about 40 percent of their students would accept to live on campus, once the schools reopen. However, data showed that only 25 percent of their students had accepted offers of returning to live on campus.
Keeping aside the financial implications of first-year class deferments, the decision has also raised questions such as what the students will be doing during their stay at home, and are students ditching admissions for other options such as a full run online degrees?
Colleges and universities are now left with the uncertainty of how many students will be available once the schools are reopened. They are also facing difficulties in financing most of their projects and payrolls, leading to some universities furloughing or firing some of their staff.
Featured image by Pexels
