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Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
College Enrollment Increases Again, Now Approaches Pre-Pandemic Level
Total college enrollment increased again this spring to an estimated 18.4 million students. The nation's colleges and universities received good news on the enrollment front today. Total college enrollment grew by 3.2% this spring compared to spring 2024 and now stands at about 18.4 million students nationally, just .9% less than the pre-pandemic level of spring, 2020. This year's gain is equivalent to about 562,000 students. The latest numbers are contained in the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's Current Term Enrollment Estimates Spring 2025 report. Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.5%, reaching 15.3 million, which is about 2.4% (378,000 students) fewer than the pre-pandemic level. Enrollment in graduate programs increased 1.5% (46,000 more students) compared to last year. Graduate enrollment now totals slightly more than 3.1 million, 7.2% higher than in 2020. That cumulative gain represents 209,000 more graduate students than the pre-pandemic number. While undergraduate enrollment increased across all higher education sectors, community colleges experienced the largest growth at 5.4%, or 288,000 more students, compared to last spring. Undergraduate enrollment increased 3.3% at private for-profit schools, 2.7% at public, four-year institutions, and 1.9% at nonprofit, private colleges. Historically Black Colleges and Universities enjoyed very positive numbers, with undergraduate enrollment increasing by 4.6%. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment increased by 4.8%, propelling it to a 20% higher level than in 2020. But other types of degrees increased as well, with enrollments in associate degree programs growing by 6.3% and bachelor's programs up 2.1%. Institutions focused on vocational/trade programs saw particularly strong gains. High vocational public two-year schools grew enrollment by 11.7%, or 91,000 students. Enrollment at these trade-focused institutions has increased almost 20% since the spring of 2020 and now comprises 19.4% of public two-year enrollment. 'This is great news for community colleges, and especially for those with strong vocational programs,' said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, in a news release. 'Four-year colleges can also feel good about higher numbers of undergraduates this spring, but their growth rates are slower.' The number of students enrolled in Master's programs grew by 1.1% over last spring, while doctoral enrollment was up 1.2%, and enrollments in first-professional programs increased 3.2%. Male and female students showed similar increases in undergraduate enrollment of 3.2% and 3.3% respectively. All four of the largest racial/ethnic groups saw enrollments grow at the undergraduate level, led by a 10.3 % increase among Black students, followed by gains of 6.7% for Asians, 5.3% for Hispanics, and 1.8% for white students. The increase for white undergraduates was noteworthy because it marked the first time since the pandemic that their spring enrollment has grown. Enrollment of international undergraduates, on the other hand, was down by almost 12% over last year. At the graduate level, Black students again had the largest percentage gain at 8.7%, followed by Hispanics (7.1%), Asians (6.2%) and white students (1.1%). International graduate students declined in number, but only by .4%. Another encouraging sign was that the number of undergraduates in their twenties increased this spring (+3.2% for students 21-24 and +5.9% for students 25-29), beginning a recovery in enrollments after consistent decreases among this age group since the pandemic. More than half of the total undergraduate gains occurred in two traditionally large fields of study — business majors and health professions, which saw enrollment increases of 4.8% and 6.3%, respectively. Biological sciences (4.1%), engineering (6.4%), and public administration (7.2%) all posted healthy increases, while the category of liberal arts, general studies, and humanities suffered a 3% decline. Shaprio said that one of the bigger surprises in the latest data is that the number of computer science majors appears to have peaked after several semesters of significant growth. The enrollment gains come at a crucial time for the nation's colleges and universities as they try to manage the difficult combination of funding cuts, a tumultuous federal policy environment and the upcoming demographic cliff, which will see the number of high school graduates decline steadily over the next decade. Institutions will try to lock in these solid enrollment gains through renewed efforts to improve student retention, at the same time they pull out all the stops to recruit new students for the upcoming fall semester. The NSCRC is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. It collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations to gather accurate longitudinal data that can be used to guide educational policy decisions. NSCRC analyzes data from 3,600 postsecondary institutions, which represented 97% of the nation's postsecondary enrollment in Title IV degree-granting institutions in the U.S., as of 2020.
Globe and Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Lincoln Educational Services Reports First Quarter Financial Results: Double Digit Growth in Revenue and Student Starts, Increased Outlook for Full Year 2025
PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (Nasdaq: LINC) today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, as well as recent business developments. First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights Revenue increased by 13.7% to $117.5 million Student starts grew by 16.2%, starts increased 20.9% excluding the Transitional segment Quarter-end student population rose by 15.2%, or 18.3% excluding the Transitional segment Adjusted EBITDA of $10.6 million, compared to $6.5 million Net income of $1.9 million, compared to $0.2 million net loss Operating leverage gains across instructional and marketing expenses Total liquidity of nearly $90 million, with no debt outstanding as of March 31, 2025 2025 financial guidance raised based on strong first quarter results and current trends A complete listing of Lincoln's non-GAAP measures are described and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures at the end of this release. Recent Developments In March, Lincoln successfully completed the transition of all existing programs at its Nashville, Tennessee campus to a new state-of-the-art facility. The new facility is designed for enhanced operational efficiency through Lincoln's 10.0 hybrid education delivery model and will also accommodate the launch of two additional high-demand programs this year. The Company amended its credit agreement in March, increasing the size of its revolving credit facility from $40 million to $60 million and expanding the accordion feature from $20 million to $25 million. This amendment strengthens Lincoln's financial flexibility and is available to support the Company's strategic growth initiatives. 'We delivered a strong start to 2025 with exceptional student start growth, double digit revenue growth and a 63% increase in adjusted EBITDA,' said Scott Shaw, President and CEO. 'Our growth reflects the continued execution of our expansion strategy, while operational improvements have enhanced the scalability of our platform and improved our profitability. Given our strong first quarter performance and positive momentum, we are raising our full-year guidance.' 'New campus development and program replications remain central to our growth. We successfully completed the relocation of our Nashville, Tennessee campus in March, and the Levittown, Pennsylvania campus relocation remains on track for completion in the second half of the year. Our next new campus in Houston, Texas is expected to open its doors to students by year-end, followed by Hicksville, New York by end of 2026. We also launched two new programs at existing campuses this quarter and anticipate rolling out five additional offerings in high demand fields in the coming months.' 'Student interest in Lincoln's programs and demand for our graduates remains robust, driving our geographic and program expansion. We continue to evaluate expanding to additional markets with high unmet demand for our career-focused training. Based on our progress to date, we are confident in our ability to achieve our 2027 targets of approximately $550M in revenue and $90M in adjusted EBITDA.' 2025 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS Quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to March 31, 2024 Revenue grew by $14.1 million, or 13.7% to $117.5 million, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. The increase was primarily due to a 13.1% increase in average student population driven by strong start growth. For the first quarter, student starts grew by 16.2%, 20.9% excluding the Transitional segment. Educational services and facilities expense increased $4.4 million, or 10.2% to $47.4 million. The increase over the prior year was primarily driven by costs associated with new programs, new campuses and campus relocations, and support for a larger student population. However, as a percentage of revenue, educational services and facilities expense decreased from the prior year, reflecting continued margin expansion and improved operating efficiency. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $6.4 million, or 10.6% to $66.9 million. The increase over the prior year was primarily driven by higher compensation and benefits costs as a result of an expanded workforce to support our larger student population. Marketing cost per student start was approximately 20% lower compared to the prior year. 2025 FIRST QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS Campus Operations Segment Revenue increased $16.2 million, or 16.0% to $117.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased $9.2 million, or 50% to $27.5 million, from $18.3 million in the prior year. Transitional Segment During the prior year, the Company's Summerlin, Las Vegas campus was classified in the Transitional segment. The sale of the campus was consummated effective January 1, 2025. In the prior year comparable period, the Summerlin campus had revenue of $2.0 million and operating expenses of $2.3 million. As of March 31, 2025, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. Corporate and Other This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $18.3 million and $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. FULL YEAR 2025 OUTLOOK Based on the 2025 first quarter operating and financial results, as well as the outlook for the remainder of the year, the Company is raising its financial guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and student starts as follows: 1 The guidance in this release includes references to non-GAAP operating measures. A reconciliation to the midpoint of our guidance can be reviewed below in the non-GAAP operating measures at the end of this release. As a reminder, to provide a clearer view of the Company's underlying performance, guidance excludes non-cash stock-based compensation and one-time, non-recurring items. Additionally, it excludes pre-opening costs, as well as net operating losses from new campuses, up to four quarters after the campus opening, or until the campus becomes profitable, whichever occurs first. In terms of relocating the Nashville and Levittown campuses, adjustments have been made to exclude pre-opening costs and relocation costs through the end of quarter in which the relocation is completed. And in the case of program replications and expansions, adjustments are made to exclude net operating losses through the quarter in which the program is launched. CONFERENCE CALL INFO Lincoln will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss results. To access the live webcast of the conference call, please go to the Investor Overview section of Lincoln's website at Participants may also register via teleconference at: Q1 2025 Lincoln Educational Services Earnings Conference Call. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized PIN to access the call. Participants are requested to register at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. An archived version of the webcast will be accessible for 90 days at ABOUT LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education helping to provide solutions to America's skills gap. Lincoln offers career-oriented programs to recent high school graduates and working adults in five principal areas of study: automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business and information technology, and hospitality services. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946 and currently operates 21 campuses in 12 states under the brands Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology and Nashville Auto Diesel College. The Company was incorporated in New Jersey in 2003 as the successor-in-interest to various acquired schools including Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. which opened its first campus in Newark, New Jersey in 1946. For more information, please go to FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this press release and in oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation regarding Lincoln's business that are not historical facts, including those made in a conference call, may be 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the federal securities law. The words 'may,' 'will,' 'expect,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'project,' 'plan,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' and 'continue,' and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies and projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings, or other aspects of the Company's operating results. The Company cautions you that these statements concern current expectations about the Company's future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, and other influences, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projects upon which the statements are based including, without limitation, impacts related to epidemics or pandemics; our failure to comply with the extensive regulatory framework applicable to our industry or our failure to obtain timely regulatory approvals in connection with acquisitions or a change of control of our Company; our success in updating and expanding the content of existing programs and developing new programs for our students in a cost-effective manner or on a timely basis; risks associated with cybersecurity; risks associated with changes in applicable federal laws and regulations; uncertainties regarding our ability to comply with federal and state laws and regulations, such as the 90/10 rule and prescribed cohort default rates; risks associated with the opening of new campuses; risks associated with integration of acquired schools; industry competition; our ability to execute our growth strategies; conditions and trends in our industry; general economic conditions; and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of our Annual Reports and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Lincoln undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof. (Unaudited) March 31, December 31, 2025 2024 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,655 $ 59,273 Accounts receivable, less allowance of $51,023 and $42,615 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 47,278 42,983 Inventories 2,394 3,053 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,051 4,793 Asset held for sale - 1,150 Total current assets 86,378 111,252 PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $144,251 and $141,271 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 125,646 103,533 OTHER ASSETS: Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $19,634 and $22,957 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 16,786 19,627 Deferred finance charges 358 323 Deferred income taxes, net 24,812 25,359 Operating lease right-of-use assets 133,462 136,034 Finance lease right-of-use assets 26,327 26,745 Goodwill 10,742 10,742 Other assets, net 1,367 1,387 Pension plan assets, net 1,554 1,554 Total other assets 215,408 221,771 TOTAL ASSETS $ 427,432 $ 436,556 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Unearned tuition $ 28,846 $ 30,631 Accounts payable 34,359 37,026 Accrued expenses 8,849 11,986 Income taxes payable 1,297 1,072 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 9,751 9,497 Total current liabilities 83,102 90,212 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES: Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities 136,181 138,803 Long-term portion of finance lease liabilities 30,369 29,261 Other long-term liabilities - 16 Total liabilities 249,652 258,292 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock, no par value - authorized 100,000,000 shares at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, issued and outstanding 31,592,807 shares at March 31, 2025 and 31,462,640 shares at December 31, 2024 48,181 48,181 Additional paid-in capital 48,211 50,639 Retained earnings 81,114 79,170 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 274 274 Total stockholders' equity 177,780 178,264 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 427,432 $ 436,556 (In thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 1,944 $ (214) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 3,345 2,599 Finance lease amortization 418 369 Amortization of deferred finance charges 40 18 Deferred income taxes 547 421 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (220) 309 Fixed asset donations (171) (98) Provision for credit losses 11,835 12,213 Stock-based compensation expense 1,205 1,059 (Increase) decrease in assets: Accounts receivable (13,289) (16,860) Inventories 659 529 Prepaid income taxes - (545) Prepaid expenses and current assets (3,243) (582) Other assets, net 1,230 967 Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Accounts payable (8,070) (5,561) Accrued expenses (3,137) (4,511) Unearned tuition (1,785) (4,641) Income taxes payable 225 - Other liabilities 89 (406) Total adjustments (10,322) (14,720) Net cash used in operating activities (8,378) (14,934) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (19,889) (1,684) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 249 9,718 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (19,640) 8,034 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payment of deferred finance fees (75) (438) Finance lease principal paid (88) - Tenant allowance finance leases 1,196 Net share settlement for equity-based compensation (3,633) (3,156) Net cash used in financing activities (2,600) (3,594) NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (30,618) (10,494) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS —Beginning of period 59,273 80,269 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period $ 28,655 $ 69,775 (1) RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ('GAAP'), the Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain significant items as a means to understand the performance of its business, and to enable comparability of operating performance between periods. Additionally, the Company's management regularly uses our non-GAAP financial measures to make operating decisions, for planning and forecasting purposes. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and total liquidity are measures not recognized in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA as income (loss) before net interest expense (interest income), provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense and adjustments for items not considered part of the Company's normal recurring operations. We define adjusted net income as net income plus adjustments for items not considered part of the Company's normal recurring operations. We define total liquidity as the Company's cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our credit facility. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and total liquidity are presented because we believe they are useful indicators of the Company's performance and ability to make strategic investments and meet capital expenditures and debt service requirements. However, they are not intended to represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP and should not be used as an alternative to net income (loss) as indicators of operating performance or cash flow as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and total liquidity are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and total liquidity (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, (Unaudited) Consolidated Campus Operations Transitional Corporate 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income (loss) $ 1,944 (214) $ 21,077 $ 12,108 $ - $ (284) $ (19,133) $ (12,038) Interest expense (income), net 587 (131) 595 501 - - (8) (632) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 882 (113) - - - 882 (113) Depreciation and amortization 3,763 2,964 3,600 2,753 - 20 163 191 EBITDA 7,176 2,506 25,272 15,362 - (264) (18,096) (12,592) Stock-based compensation expense 1,205 1,059 - - - - 1,205 1,059 New campus and campus relocation costs 1,884 2,802 1,884 2,802 - - - - Program expansions 371 89 371 89 - - - - Severence and other one-time costs - 89 - 89 - - - Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,636 $ 6,545 $ 27,527 $ 18,342 $ - $ (264) $ (16,891) $ (11,533) Three Months Ended March 31, (Unaudited) Consolidated Campus Operations Transitional Corporate 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income (loss) $ 1,944 $ (214) $ 21,077 $ 12,108 $ - $ (284) $ (19,133) $ (12,038) Adjustments to net income: New campus and campus relocation costs 1,884 2,802 1,884 2,802 Program expansions 371 89 371 89 Severance and other one time costs - 89 - 89 Total non-recurring adjustments 2,255 2,980 2,255 2,980 - - - - Income tax effect (677) (894) (677) (894) Adjusted net income (loss), non-GAAP $ 3,522 $ 1,872 $ 23,332 $ 15,088 $ - $ (284) $ (19,810) $ (12,932) As of March 31, 2025 Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,655 Credit facility 60,000 Total Liquidity $ 88,655 The table below presents selected operating metrics for our reportable segments (in thousands, except for student population and starts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 % Change Revenue: Campus Operations $ 117,506 $ 101,321 16.0 % Transitional - 2,045 -100.0 % Total $ 117,506 $ 103,366 13.7 % Operating Income (loss): Campus Operations $ 21,671 $ 12,609 71.9 % Transitional - (285) -100.0 % Corporate (18,258) (12,783) -42.8 % Total $ 3,413 $ (459) 843.6 % Starts: Campus Operations 4,610 3,812 20.9 % Transitional - 155 -100.0 % Total 4,610 3,967 16.2 % Average Population: Campus Operations 15,469 13,311 16.2 % Transitional - 367 -100.0 % Total 15,469 13,678 13.1 % End of Period Population: Campus Operations 15,904 13,449 18.3 % Transitional - 352 -100.0 % Total 15,904 13,801 15.2 % Information included in the table below provides student starts and population under the Campus Operations segment with a breakdown by Transportation and Skilled Trade programs and Healthcare and Other Professions programs. Population by Program (Campus Operations Segment): Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 % Change Starts: Transportation and Skilled Trades 3,551 2,682 32.4 % Healthcare and Other Professions 1,059 1,130 -6.3 % Total 4,610 3,812 20.9 % Average Population: Transportation and Skilled Trades 11,695 9,544 22.5 % Healthcare and Other Professions 3,774 3,767 0.2 % Total 15,469 13,311 16.2 % End of Period Population: Transportation and Skilled Trades 12,130 9,639 25.8 % Healthcare and Other Professions 3,774 3,810 -0.9 % Total 15,904 13,449 18.3 % The reconciliations provided below represent management's projections of various components included in our outlook for the full year 2025. These calculations are for illustrative purposes and will be reviewed as the year progresses to reflect actual results, our outlook and continued relevance of specific items. Any revisions or modifications, if necessary, will be disclosed in future announcements of 2025 quarterly results. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income have been reconciled to the midpoint of our guidance. Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income - 2025 Guidance (Reconciled to the Mid-Point of 2025 Guidance) Adjusted EBITDA Net Income Net Income $ 12,500 $ 12,500 Interest expense, net 2,500 - Provision for taxes 5,100 - Depreciation and amortization 1 21,300 400 EBITDA 41,400 - New campus and campus relocation costs 2,3 8,900 8,900 Program expansions 2,400 2,400 Other one time items 2,500 2,500 Stock-based compensation expense 5,300 - Tax Effect - (4,300) Total $ 60,500 $ 22,400 2025 Guidance Range $58,000 - $63,000 1 Depreciation expense relates to the new Houston, Texas campus. 2 New campus and campus relocation costs relate to the following locations: Nashville, Tennessee Levittown, Pennsylvania Houston, Texas Hicksville, New York 3 New campus adjustment includes pre-opening costs, as well as net operating losses up to four quarters after the campus opens, or until the campus becomes profitable, whichever comes first. Brian Meyers, CFO 973-736-9340 EVC GROUP LLC Investor Relations: Michael Polyviou, mpolyviou@ 732-933-2755 Media Relations: Tom Gibson, 201-476-0322
