Numbers are up!

[LaneSig]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I seriously couldn't tell you. It's odd because when troubles with the economy started, I think all Greek orgs were worried that it would really hurt recruitment numbers/expansion.

A few years into it, and it seems to not hurt as much. Even here in Ohio, which has been hit pretty hard, we're seeing record recruitment numbers at a whole lot of schools.

Ex: Quota at my alma mater has been steadily climbling. In the time that I was there (like 2004-2006ish), it never got higher than like high teens-low 20s. This past year, it was in the 40s.

I think the economy has helped smaller, state schools grow. Students who would normally apply for the larger flagship or private schools are going to the smaller state schools (I know KSU is not small). Many of these student would have went Greek at the flagship schools, so that might be a factor, too.

[carnation]

In Georgia at least, it's cheaper to go to the non-flagship state schools so lots of kids realize that they can go to one of the medium-sized schools and afford to be Greek.

[GeorgiaGreek]

Originally Posted by carnation

In Georgia at least, it's cheaper to go to the non-flagship state schools so lots of kids realize that they can go to one of the medium-sized schools and afford to be Greek.

If HOPE is paying for tuition, wouldn't it cost about the same? I feel like most people at UGA from Georgia are on HOPE (can't say the same for Tech though...)

[carnation]

Having just had one graduate from UGa and 2 in the past from Southern and Valdosta, I think that everything costs more at UGa! Especially Greek life.

Also, remember that 2/3 of students lose the HOPE Grant after freshman year. And now HOPE isn't going to cover full tuition for anyone, just a percentage--90% maybe?

[AnchorAlumna]

Not many jobs out there, so more kids are staying in school?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

Not many jobs out there, so more kids are staying in school?

I don't think that's really a factor in Greek life. In grad student numbers increasing, maybe. If kids are that hard up for $$ they're going to do things that they can get loans for - like school. Greek life doesn't fit in with that.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by LaneSig

I think the economy has helped smaller, state schools grow. Students who would normally apply for the larger flagship or private schools are going to the smaller state schools (I know KSU is not small). Many of these student would have went Greek at the flagship schools, so that might be a factor, too.

I agree. The growth in Greek Life is in line with our huge enrollment increases.

Pre-recession, the average HS senior was more interested in our largest flagship OSU, or some of the small private schools like Mount Union, Ashland, etc.

Monetary constraints are forcing more local students to consider KSU, as opposed to heading out of town to those schools. There are also many more students who are opting to attend our branch in their hometown, with the intent of transferring to Main.

Because of this, enrollment has SKYROCKETED. In the past like 4 years, we've had more students applying to live on campus than we have spaces. Definitely a good problem to have. .