WINONA, Minn. – Although college administrators spin their enrollment losses as upbeat as possible, the numbers are startling. This fall compared to last:

> Winona State: 6,408 down to 5,763.

> Saint Mary’s: 1,020 to 971.

> Southeast Tech: 579 to 542.

Comparing the statistics campus-to-campus is hazardous. Are these full-time students? Or headcounts? Are graduate enrollments included? Or just undergrads? The percentages, however, don’t lie. For each campus they are internally consistent, apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

Earlier: WSU reflects on self: Frosh finish in four years

Earlier: SMU: Yes, enrollment down but retention solid

Earlier: Southeast Tech: Enrollment dip a quirk

Winona State

OFF 9.7%

Saint Mary’s

OFF 4.5%

Southeast Tech

OFF 6.6%