According to a new survey from Massachusetts-based Carnegie Communications, the economic turmoil in the US could hurt niche colleges -- women's, historically black, and Catholic -- in competing for applicants. The survey found that nearly 90% of high school students would likely apply to public 4-year institutions, while 75% said the same thing about private colleges. By comparison, 36% would apply to Catholic colleges, 11% to black schools, and 10% to women's colleges. In order to attract applicants, niche colleges should emphasize the value of programs, quality of campus life, and success of graduates. The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required)