Title

The Relationship Between Economic Indicators and Texas Public Two-year College Enrollment

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Department

Higher Education Leadership

Date of Award

Fall 2016

Abstract

The researcher examined the relationship between economic variables and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges to determine the relationship between the Texas Leading Index, Texas Coincident Index, Texas unemployment rate, and enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges for the years 1993–2014. All three variables were statistically significant in determining enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges. The Texas Leading Index provides Texas public 2-year college administrators with data on potential changes in enrollment up to 7 months in advance. A 1-point increase in the Texas Leading Index was estimated to reduce enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges by 1,853 students in 7 months. A 1-point increase in the Texas Coincident Index was estimated to reduce Texas public 2-year college enrollment by 4,410 students. A 1 percentage point increase in the rate of unemployment in Texas was estimated to increase enrollment in Texas public 2-year colleges by 19,360 students.

Advisor

JoHyun Kim

Subject Categories

Education | Educational Leadership | Higher Education

COinS