During Covid-19, low enrollment numbers put the college in a deficit of $5.5 million. This deficit was eliminated through laying off six full-time employees and other cost-saving measures were put into place.
“The short falls from lower enrollment and other issues during the pandemic causing the deficit to the college were bridged back together by federal funding” Chief Financial Officer, Niels C. Christensen stated.
Dr. Patrick M. Jones, President of Bucks County Community College, elaborated “We are projecting a balanced budget this year, there is no deficit. That does not mean there is no debt that has to be serviced. We will not spend more money than what we bring in.”
Current student enrollment this semester is 5,281 students, up 2.1 percent from the previous year. Prior to the pandemic, enrollment was 7,000 to 8,000 students.
The number of United States high school graduates is predicted to climax in 2025 and is expected to hit a demographic cliff in 2026, Posing serious issues for colleges throughout the country.
“There are just fewer eighteen-year-olds graduating, because they were never born. That’s the challenge, nothing we can do will make these people reappear.” Dr. Jones stated.
“We need to help the people who aren’t coming to college. People who are considered N.E.E.T., not in employment, education or training. There are a lot of people who don’t realize college is right for them, they will be the new target demographic, we need to show them that Bucks is right for them,” he said.
In preparation for the demographic cliff, the college is currently preparing tactics. Dr. Jones listed “One, we need to make sure people know that Bucks exists, and that we are here for them.”
“Two, we need to have degree programs that are relevant to students’ interests and make sure our portfolio of programs matches employer needs. Three, we have to retain students once they are here, we are providing education and connecting students to resources.”
“Four, partnerships. We must collaborate with employers in the county who can then employ students.” Having the vision to educate and prepare students to make effective contributions to their chosen professions will enhance the community.
Bucks County Community College is projecting goals for the fiscal year of 2026 to 2028. Helping students meet their academic and career goals, prioritizing initiatives to foster well-being through culture, offering programs that are responsive to emerging students, community and employer educational need and achieving sustainable financial health.
The demographic cliff presents concern to the faculty and staff with section fill rate, questioning whether people will be laid off. “I am hoping we will never have to get to the point where we have to lay people off.” Dr. Jones stated.
As of Sept. 6, 2024, Dr. Jones announced that there will be a strategic hiring freeze. “Strategic meaning it does not mean we are not hiring; it means we are going to be very rigorous and careful in our hiring, so we don’t get to the point where we need a smaller workforce. It would be irresponsible to not plan.”
Cross training faculty and staff in other areas of expertise will enable them to have a more stable employment. “Rather than lay people off, can we help them cross train in areas if they are interested and capable to do so. Once you have a good employee, you want to keep them.”
With the warm sun beaming off of him, Dr. Jones turned his head admiring Tyler Garden below and let out a sigh, knowing he has the weight of the college on his shoulders as this may be the most tumultuous transition settling in as president, cleaning up the disarray left behind and preparing for the challenges that are to come.