Public high school graduation rates are increasing but the number of students enrolled in Iowa high schools is on the decline.

In difficult budget times this might be good for current students at Iowa State, but it’s not good for Iowa students, experts say.

Iowa has a “shrinking pool of students,” said Marc Harding, ISU director of admissions.

According to an Iowa Department of Education report, the enrollment of Iowa high schools has dropped from 485,000 in the 1996—1997 school year to 475,409 in the 2001—2002 school year.

This enrollment decline is predicted to continue. The 2006—2007 projected enrollment is 468,317.

“We have an aging population and no youth replacing it. We’re one of the slowest growing states,” said Harding.

With fewer Iowa high school graduates, Iowa State is beginning to see a slight decline in its enrollment.

“We’re looking for stable enrollment,” Harding said.

The enrollment goal for Iowa State is 4,200 freshmen, he said. In the past, enrollment has been higher, but Harding said Iowa State is not looking for larger numbers.

“If we bring in more students, that taxes the resources available to students already here,” Harding said.

Retention has become a university goal in order to maintain the current number of students attending Iowa State.

Howard Shapiro, vice provost for undergraduate programs, said Iowa State has a goal of a 70 percent six-year graduation rate. Right now the university is at about 64 percent.

Shapiro said the last six percent will be difficult to obtain.

“It’s a challenge, but I think it’s a worthwhile challenge,” he said.

President Gregory Geoffroy has given a “strong charge” to increase the graduation rate, Shapiro said.

Things such as the Academic Success Center, revamping of residence halls, supplemental instruction and learning communities have all had positive effects on student academic success, he said.

“What we don’t want is students to leave because their needs aren’t being met,” Shapiro said.

Kathi Slaughter, communication specialist for the Iowa Department of Education, said the department wants to see 90 percent of Iowa high school students go on to obtain a four-year or two-year degree.

“Our goal is to increase the number of students who get a higher education beyond high school,” Slaughter said.

The state has been placing more emphasis on higher education than in the past.

“If you want to stay above the poverty level, you need additional skills,” Slaughter said.

According to the state’s annual “Condition of Education” report, the four-year graduation rate for public high schools has steadily increased from 87.3 percent in 1997 to 89.2 percent in 2001.

The report also stated Asian high school graduation rates were the highest for all racial groups. The graduation rate for those students was 93.9 percent in 2001.

This finding was reflected in Iowa State’s first-year retention rate, where Asian students had the highest rate — 92 percent. Female students had both a higher high school graduation rate and first-year retention rate at Iowa State than male students.

This increase in retention rates is not enough for the Iowa Department of Education.

“The goal is that 100 percent of students would graduate from high school,” Slaughter said.

Iowa law requires school attendance through the age of 16. Slaughter said that is why it is important to tell students about the need for higher education before they reach high school.