College Enrollment Decline: A Look At The Battered Economies Of Boom Towns

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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The Impact of Resource Depletion on Boom Town Economies

Boom towns, historically defined by their reliance on the extraction of natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, often face a dramatic economic downturn when these resources dwindle. This depletion has cascading effects that directly impact the local economy and, consequently, college enrollment.

• Reduced tax revenue: Diminished resource extraction leads to significantly lower tax revenue for local governments. This directly impacts funding for essential services, including education – impacting the quality of local schools and colleges, making them less attractive to prospective students.
• Job losses in the primary industry: As resource extraction slows, jobs in the primary industry disappear. This domino effect ripples through the local economy, reducing demand for supporting services like restaurants, retail, and healthcare, leading to further job losses.
• Out-migration of residents: Faced with limited job opportunities, many residents, including young adults, seek better prospects elsewhere, leading to population decline and a shrinking pool of potential college students.

Examples include towns in Appalachia that relied heavily on coal mining, or those in the American West that experienced booms and busts tied to mineral extraction. The resulting economic hardship often leads to decreased funding for higher education and fewer students choosing to stay in their hometowns for college.

The Role of Shifting Demographics and Economic Diversification (or Lack Thereof)

The over-reliance on a single industry—a defining characteristic of many boom towns—makes them extremely vulnerable to economic shocks. A lack of economic diversification exacerbates the impact of resource depletion, leading to a vicious cycle of decline.

• Over-reliance on a single industry: This creates inherent economic instability. When the primary industry falters, the entire town suffers.
• Limited opportunities for young people: Without diverse job options, young people often leave to seek better opportunities elsewhere, leading to a shrinking tax base and further hindering economic growth. This directly impacts college enrollment as fewer high school graduates choose to stay in their hometowns for higher education.
• The challenge of attracting and retaining skilled workers and attracting new businesses: A lack of economic diversification makes it difficult to attract new businesses and skilled workers, perpetuating the cycle of decline.

Conversely, successful boom towns have embraced economic diversification. Towns that successfully transitioned from a single-industry economy to a more diverse one often see improved economic stability and higher college enrollment rates. These transitions often involve strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and attracting businesses in sectors unrelated to the original boom industry.

The Effect on College Enrollment and the Local Community

The economic downturn in boom towns directly translates to declining college enrollment. This isn't just about fewer students; it's about the broader impact on the community.

• Reduced funding for local colleges and universities: Lower tax revenue directly impacts the funding available for higher education institutions, leading to program cuts, increased tuition fees, and a decline in the quality of education.
• Fewer high school graduates choosing to stay and attend local colleges: Limited job prospects and a lack of economic opportunity push young people to seek higher education and careers elsewhere.
• The impact on local businesses that rely on college students and staff: The decline in enrollment reduces the customer base for local businesses that rely on the college community for their income.

Data comparing enrollment trends in boom towns to national averages often reveals a significant disparity, illustrating the disproportionate impact of economic hardship on higher education in these communities.

Potential Solutions and Strategies for Revival

Revitalizing boom town economies and boosting college enrollment requires a multifaceted approach involving strategic investments and community collaboration.

• Investing in education and training programs: Developing a skilled workforce is crucial for attracting new industries and businesses. Investing in vocational training and higher education programs relevant to emerging industries can help stem the tide of out-migration.
• Attracting new industries and businesses: Economic diversification is key. Incentivizing new businesses to locate in the town and supporting the growth of existing, non-resource-based industries can create a more resilient economy.
• Improving infrastructure and creating a more attractive environment for residents: Investments in infrastructure, including broadband access and improved housing, make boom towns more attractive places to live and work.
• Strengthening partnerships between colleges, local businesses, and government: Collaboration between these stakeholders is essential for developing targeted economic development strategies that support both the local economy and higher education.

Successful revitalization efforts in other areas demonstrate the effectiveness of these strategies. By learning from these examples, boom towns can develop targeted strategies that address their unique challenges.

Conclusion: Understanding and Addressing the College Enrollment Decline in Boom Towns

The decline in college enrollment in boom towns is inextricably linked to the economic hardship experienced by these communities. Resource depletion, a lack of economic diversification, and diminished funding for higher education create a vicious cycle of decline. Addressing this issue is not merely about boosting enrollment numbers; it's about securing the long-term viability and well-being of these communities. The long-term consequences of inaction are severe, leading to further population loss, economic stagnation, and a decline in the quality of life. We must prioritize investing in education, fostering economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships to build resilient communities where young people see a future and choose to stay, contributing to a thriving economy. Addressing the challenges of boom town economic decline and its impact on college enrollment is crucial for building resilient communities.