In your opinion, what’s the No. 1 reason behind the recent decline in US college enrollment?

🤑 It costs too much (50%) – "My alma mater is the #1 school in it’s state and is a very reputable school nationwide. It’s seen a massive, record-breaking increase in applicants. I think this generation is still wanting to go to college but only if it’s really worth it – i.e., a really good school. Community college and trade schools are also cost-effective options and seeing a surge in applicants. This generation seems to be making good decisions. Probably a side effect to coming of age in this economy."

• "It’s come to the point where only the ultra-rich or poorest class can afford college, by paying outright or landing need-based scholarships respectively. The middle class are ironically left with the most amount of debt, and the thought of taking on that debt is daunting. The idea of taking out student loans at all has increasingly become taboo among middle class families—so if you can’t pay outright, it’s considered unaffordable."
• "The student debt crisis is making it hard for millennials to have the same standard of living their parents have had. Student loan forgiveness has been a major political issue over the past several years. Younger Americans see that and looking for options to avoid taking on that level of debt."

🎓 There are better post-grad education options (23%) – "The opportunity cost of college is down in comparison to work-related education fields, most of which can offer employment at the completion of the course. Why would you turn down specialized training, at the fraction of the price, and somewhat guaranteed employment?"

• "Grads are not sure what they want to do for a career and finally realize that starting in the workforce with massive school debt is so wrong. Community colleges with work force programs and many high schools are now offering real time workforce programs.. this allows grads the opportunity to work at jobs and let employers help with education in that field."

💼 More teens are choosing (or are forced) to enter the workforce (14%) – "The majority of my high school students who don’t attend college choose to or must enter the work force in some capacity. Sometimes this is linked directly to college affordability"

💬 Other (13%) – "I think it's likely a combination of needing to enter the workforce, better post-grad education options, and realizing degrees aren't the be-all-end-all. People are figuring out more creative ways to make a living that don't require a college education."