Summary

College enrollment among 18-year-old freshmen fell 5% this fall, with declines most severe at public and private non-profit four-year colleges.

Experts attribute the drop to factors including declining birth rates, high tuition costs, FAFSA delays, and uncertainty over student loan relief after Supreme Court rulings against forgiveness plans.

Economic pressures, such as the need to work, also deter students.

Despite declining enrollment, applications have risen, particularly among low- and middle-income students, underscoring interest in higher education. Experts urge addressing affordability and accessibility to reverse this trend.

  • LordCrom@lemmy.world
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    11 days ago

    Sounds to me like people are realizing that the price of college isn’t worth it. You take on thousands in debt that can’t be discharged in bankruptcy, you get a degree that doesn’t guarantee a job.

    The lie of college for all is only meant to generate profit for schools and lenders.

    And don’t get me started on textbook scams in college to prohibit used book sales

      • tmyakal@lemm.ee
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        11 days ago

        My professor wrote his own textbook and sold it to us to supplement his salary.