More interest reported at career-focused colleges and universities, as people scramble for new skills

New Hampshire Union Leader

Josie Alberston-Grove

July 4, 2020

With unemployment still high in New Hampshire and across the country, more people are thinking about going back to school.

Southern New Hampshire University President Paul LeBlanc said he is reminded of the years after the 2008 financial crisis.

“This is very reminiscent of 2009, 2010, the last recession, when you have a lot of unemployment,” LeBlanc said.

People who are out of work want to finish degrees, get certifications and learn new skills, he said, so they can get new, better jobs.

“We’re seeing this across the sector. You’re even seeing it in things like Masterclass” online classes. “Their subscriptions have shot up.”

Compared to this time last year, SNHU is receiving about 25% more inquiries about enrolling.