re: When did Tulane's student profile change?

Most of this was set-in-motion when the took the risk of leaving the SEC. They took the lead of trying to construct a "Ivy League of the South" called the Magnolia Conference. They petitioned Rice, SMU, Vandy, Duke, etc to formalize the conference. Much like the Ivyies, they wanted to minimize athletics (limited scholly $, smaller facilities, etc) and focus on the competing academically with the Ivyies. Duke didnt take the bait because they wanted to keep their rivalry with UNC. Rice and SMU stayed in the SWC (Texas probably made them) and Vandy saw the benefit of being the only private school in the SEC and stayed. It was a huge gamble that didnt pay off.

How does this affect enrollment? Tulane athletically never recovered. Call it the SEC mentality, but most southern students want a full college experience. They dont want to drive off campus to sit in a NFL dome stadium that is 1/5 full (and that generous). They lack of a campus culture didnt appeal to most southern student despite the high academic reputation. Northern students could give a rip about athletics/campus life, they literally only look at Tulane's academic rep.

I think the on-campus stadium is a game changer for their university in regards to regional relevancy. It is helping shape the university as a "college experience"that just happens to have good academics.