Enrollment leaders across higher education continued to face pressure as institutions confront shrinking applicant pools, demographic shifts and fiscal stress. An industry analysis documents increasing demands on enrollment offices to deliver more applicants and revenue even as recruiting becomes costlier and student demographics change. At the same time, multiple campuses cut jobs and programs in September as leaders cited economic uncertainty; Washington University in St. Louis led a wave of layoffs. The twin pressures—rising expectations for enrollment results and budget-driven program reductions—are elevating turnover in senior enrollment and institutional leadership. Campuses are experimenting with restructured recruitment strategies, yield-focused financial packages and partnerships with K‑12 and community colleges; governance and board oversight remain central as institutions balance immediate fiscal needs with long-term enrollment strategy.