@PurpleTitan, more grads are going to college over the long term (and perhaps more internationals, as well), but there are population swings, increased capacity (Liberty University, one of the largest private universities in the world, did not exist 3 decades ago), and other factors to consider.
More students going on to college over the long term is not what I was addressing. I was addressing year-to-year variations. Also, how do YOU explain Sweet Briar and Mills College (among others) struggles despite being good schools?
You really can’t apply broad averages to the demographic shifts and the specifics of the admissions process that are underway.