A second trend is the beginnings of reversal in the downward turn in the traditional college-age population. William and Mary can expect increased demand from admission to its undergraduate program, particularly from in-state students. Smaller, but positive, growth is also anticipated in those Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states whose students typically attend William and Mary. Finally, the College must be prepared to deal with an increasingly diverse population. By the early years of the next century racial and ethnic minorities are predicted to comprise one-third of the U.S. population.
Women are likely to continue to enroll in higher education in larger numbers than men.
The number of disabled students seeking higher education is increasing and the Americans with Disabilities Act places a responsibility on colleges and universities to be responsive to their needs. This diversity will have a broad impact upon the College, from admissions, to academic programs, to student services, to physical plant. The financial trends are equally apparent. General fund growth in the 1990s is projected to reach only 60 to 70 percent of that experienced during the 1980s. Limited incremental funds, and competing priorities, will make it difficult for the Commonwealth to restore funds lost during the early 1990s or to meet future funding needs in higher education.