University Expansion

Despite a lack of revenue, the university continued to expand; it continued to search for prospective students, to expand majors and programs, to transform curricula, and to add new buildings.

As seen in in St. Edward's Official Bulletins, over the course of the Great Depression, the University was able to expand majors and even created a brand new engineering school. This helped draw many young men, many of whom were recruited, and generate more revenue.

At the same time, the university began combining and consolidating many programs, as many universities were forced to do during the Depression. At almost all institutions of higher education, some faculty were forced to teach more courses and to adopt a heavier workload; this is why some saw the Great Depression as a “purge” for higher education. It allowed universities to become efficient and cost effective. The consolidation of classes also eliminated frivolous classes and unnecessary courses. [16] St. Edward’s, though, maintained a religious focus and students were required to take religion and philosophy courses throughout their academic careers.

The expansion, which existed in many factions of the organization of the University, both attracted more students and assured donors of the ability of St. Edward's to weather the crisis.

The University Bulletins, pictured above, range from 1926 to 1934 and track both the courses and buildings at St. Edward's. They depict St. Edward’s growth—the creation of new buildings, the introduction of the new engineering program, and course consolidation.