Colleges are adding football to boost enrollments

• Colleges are adding football to boost enrollments

Many colleges nationwide are adding football programs to boost enrollment. Adding football opens many doors for college admissions departments to attract new students. When football teams are added, it paves the way for other programs to supplement the college atmosphere.

Texas has seen quite a few colleges add football programs in recent years. Some of the most prominent have been the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, Hardin Simmons University. Texas College, Southwestern Assemblies of God, Southwestern University, Texas Wesleyan University, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, University of Texas-Permian Basin, University of Texas-San Antonio, University of Incarnate Word, Lamar University and several others. Beginning varsity play in 2026 will be Schreiner University in Kerrville.

Athletics are the most visible programs within universities. Winning athletic programs raises a school’s profile, while generating excitement among students, community, and alumni. Football teams build a sense of community pride while generating millions of dollars from enrollment, merchandise, and broadcasting rights.

Contrary to many research results about how colleges are increasing enrollments by adding football programs, these institutions need to understand additional enrollments will not sustain if the programs do not have a solid foundation. The initial boost of enrollment has a tendency to falter if the programs do not have sustained success. Colleges should not expect the spike in enrollment to continue to grow because of the initial excitement.

New research from authors in Research in Higher Education explored 36 NCAA D1 to D3 member institutions adding football to its athletic programs. These authors found all colleges adding football did not have positive effects on long-term enrollment and a significant effect on tuition and fees revenue. Colleges continuing to grow and flourish had success in the competition arena.

Many colleges adding successful sports programs have grown though. UMHB is a prime example. They have increased enrollment from 2300 students to over 3600 since the inception of a national power D3 football program. The Crusaders have been a consistent winner with a couple national titles and many conference championships in their portfolio. Several other programs have also been added to support and supplement the athletic program at UMHB.

I once served as head football coach at Kansas Wesleyan University. KWU was about to shut their doors because of declining enrollment. In my first year, enrollment at this small Kansas university doubled its size because of the influx of numerous football players and added programs.

At KWU, I inherited three returning football players and the nation’s longest losing streak. Our staff embarked on a recruiting journey to build a new football team. In addition to recruiting football players, the university started a dance team bringing in over 60 students. My wife was given the duty to be the instructor. I do not think she has ever forgiven me for that. Actually, she had fun and so did the students. With added excitement and a sense of renewed spirit, we ended that losing streak and had a winning 2nd season.

Football programs make way for the addition of other programs like band, dance teams, and pep squads. This adds excitement and a true college-like atmosphere. The key is when adding these programs, build a solid foundation of success.

Thought for the week, “The football program is the front door of the college campus.” Jimbo Fisher

Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.