Ohio Statewide college enrollment steadily declines - Meagan Pant, Dayton Daily News

College enrollment statewide dropped nearly 5.9 percent since last year, falling closer to the pre-recession level of 2008, according to a preliminary report released Monday by the Ohio Board of Regents. The number of students fell more than 31,600 at the state’s 61 public colleges and university main and regional campuses — a decline that was expected, but still hurt some financially and forced the layoff of 23 people at one community college. The enrollment decline is attributed to record number of students graduating last year ahead of the semester conversion completed by 17 institutions, changes to federal financial aid that mean fewer students are eligible, and an economy that has some choosing to work instead of attending school. http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/college-enrollment-down-statewide-by-31k-students/nSQ68/