As the nation braces for a drop in college-bound students, North Dakota stands out as a surprising exception. While most states anticipate fewer high school graduates, North Dakota is looking at a bright spot amid the looming “enrollment cliff.” Thanks to a combination of factors, including a baby boom linked to past economic growth and robust fertility rates, the state is set to see more graduates for years to come. While enrollment drops elsewhere, local colleges are still drawing students in—and they’re not sounding any alarms just yet.
It’s some near-term good news for North Dakota, the demographic reaper is staying away for a few years at least. But we need to be preparing, unless we continue drawing new, young families in as we did during the oil boom, he will come.
