Assessing the Impact of Adding Football on College Recruitment

Some institutions, in an effort to draw more male applicants, are introducing football programs. However, the impact of such initiatives on long-term recruitment success remains complex.

Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, recently revived its varsity football program, which had been dormant since 1942. As with a number of other institutions doing the same, Roanoke aims to bolster male student enrollment amidst a declining national trend.

The institution's leadership anticipates that football will foster increased male enrollment and invigorate campus life. Roanoke's student numbers fell significantly from 2019 to 2022, and the campus is actively seeking strategies to reverse that trend.

Despite a short-term rise in enrollment numbers following the introduction of a football team, research reveals these gains tend not to last beyond a few years. Still, college administrators continue to pursue this strategy.

Roanoke's approach aligns with efforts at other institutions such as New England College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, which have also introduced football to enhance student engagement and attract more applicants.

Roanoke College officials assert that the strategy is not solely about boosting enrollment figures. They aim to cultivate a dynamic campus atmosphere by embracing new initiatives including a marching band and cheerleading team.

Yet, while the lure of football can initially attract certain demographics, this effect often diminishes over time. The college contends with the broader challenge of addressing why fewer men are enrolling in higher education.

As Roanoke College embeds football into campus life, it hopes to enhance the feeling of belonging among students, which is increasingly vital in today's educational environment.

To achieve a more balanced gender ratio, Roanoke aligns its athletic ambitions with other strategies, such as partnering with community colleges for seamless student transitions. They have also expanded academic offerings, introducing majors like cannabis studies.

The introduction of a football team at Roanoke was part of a larger vision to attract and retain students committed to its evolving academic and extracurricular landscape.

While some faculty initially expressed concerns over potential cultural shifts, early outcomes suggest the move has strengthened campus community spirit and fostered mutual respect between athletes and staff.