Uncommon Effects? The Impact of Common Application Membership on Public Colleges and Universities

• In Event: The Influence of Policy on College Choice

Abstract

Facing rising costs and declining state subsidies, public colleges and universities must develop multiple strategies to recruit target populations, meet enrollment goals, and increase revenue in the competitive academic marketplace where students have many choices. One such strategic mechanism has emerged in Common Application membership. In this analysis, I evaluate the impact of Common Application adoption upon admissions and enrollment outcomes for public four-year institutions. Using a difference-in-difference analytic approach, I explore its impact upon number of applications, acceptance rate, and nonresident enrollment. Results show that adoption increases number of applications, acceptance rate, and out-of-state enrollment, producing both benefits and challenges for public schools in raising prestige while simultaneously meeting their mission of serving the residents of their state.

Author

• Erin B. Ciarimboli, University of Georgia