Despite a decline in full-time undergraduate enrollment, the University of Louisiana (UL) has increased its hiring. Since 2015, UL's full-time undergraduate enrollment has decreased by 1,700 students.
This decline has resulted in a $20 million loss in revenue, as each student generates approximately $12,000 per year. Although online and graduate student numbers have slightly increased during this period, it has not been enough to offset the loss.
“They are the students who really pay the bills,”
said interim UL President Jaimie Hebert at a town hall meeting on September 25. Meanwhile, the university has added a net of 467 positions.
The decline in enrollment and subsequent revenue loss have led to a budget shortfall, which was publicly addressed by the university for the first time at the town hall meeting.
Author's summary: UL faces budget shortfall due to declining enrollment.