The January 14, 2025, meeting of the State of Virginia's SFAC focused on the current status of higher education in the Commonwealth. The session highlighted both positive trends and significant challenges facing public institutions.

The meeting began with an overview of enrollment statistics, revealing that total enrollment at Virginia's public higher education institutions has returned to pre-COVID levels. This recovery is attributed to a notable increase in the enrollment of Black, Hispanic, and Asian students, with Virginia's growth rate of 4.6% surpassing the national average of 2.5%. However, the discussion also pointed out that while overall enrollment figures are encouraging, some public four-year institutions have experienced substantial declines in undergraduate enrollment, ranging from 13% to 37% over the past decade.

A key highlight was the record number of minority undergraduate students enrolled in the 2024 academic year, marking a historic achievement for Virginia. Despite this progress, retention and graduation rates for these demographics still lag behind their white peers, although improvements in completion and retention rates were noted.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of dual enrollment programs, which contributed to a 10% increase in undergraduate enrollments, totaling approximately 53,000 students. Additionally, there was a reported 10% increase in degrees and credentials awarded during the same period.

However, the meeting underscored looming challenges, particularly a projected 6% decline in high school graduates over the next five years, followed by a longer-term decline. This trend raises concerns about the future pool of traditional undergraduate students, necessitating a shift in recruitment strategies to include minority and adult learner populations.

The discussion further highlighted the competitive landscape for attracting out-of-state students, with Virginia facing challenges due to higher net prices for public colleges compared to national peers. Despite recent state support aimed at improving affordability, the meeting noted that tuition and fees have continued to rise, complicating recruitment efforts.

In conclusion, while the meeting presented a mixed picture of higher education in Virginia, it emphasized the need for strategic planning to address declining high school graduation rates and the competitive pressures from neighboring states. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at sustaining enrollment growth and improving educational outcomes across diverse student populations.