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Projected Shortfalls in Postsecondary Access in the Inland Empire

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Overview

By 2030, thousands of qualified Inland Empire students may be denied a seat in college due to limited enrollment capacity. This study explores the urgent challenge of postsecondary access in a region where demand for higher education is expected to far outpace available opportunities. Using a dynamic projection tool, this study models multiple scenarios that reveal potential gaps of 22,000 to 39,000 seats across two- and four-year institutions. Without action, these shortfalls will disproportionately impact low-income students and students of color, undermining both equity and the region’s long-term economic vitality.

What You’ll Learn

  • Projected Capacity Gaps – Explore how demand for higher education could exceed supply by tens of thousands of seats by 2030.
  • Equity at Risk – Understand how limited enrollment capacity could hit hardest for low-income students and students of color.
  • Success Scenarios – Learn how varying levels of progress in high school preparation and transfer readiness shape future outcomes.
  • Regional Implications – See why addressing enrollment capacity is essential for economic mobility and workforce readiness.
  • Pathways Forward – Discover potential solutions for expanding access, from operational changes to long-term system reform.