College enrollment numbers declining: How can educators respond?
A recent report by EAB, an education consulting firm, shows that 20% of high school students won’t enroll in college. This is an 8% increase from 2019. EAB’s report, titled “Recruiting ‘Gen P,’” focuses on high school students whose attitudes and behaviors towards pursuing higher education have been shaped by their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Hence ‘Gen P’ or ‘Generation Pandemic’).
It unveiled the critical factors influencing students’ choices and highlights how important it is for educators to stay informed about the factors shaping students’ decisions. By understanding these factors, educators can provide the necessary support to help students navigate their education and career paths and make choices that best suit their individual needs and goals.
On the list of concerns affecting students’ college enrollment decisions, mental health, academic preparedness, affordability, and the perceived value of a college education are at the top of the list. By familiarizing yourself with some of the top reasons students are shying away from college, you can tailor your approach to effectively support your students and their decisions.
Mental health matters
EAB’s report brings attention to a concerning trend: the rising prevalence of mental health issues among students, worsened by the challenges of the pandemic. The survey reveals that 22% of high school students decided not to enroll in college due to feeling mentally unprepared, marking a significant increase from the pre-pandemic levels of 14% in 2019. For first-generation and lower-income students, that number is even higher, with 28% expressing concerns about their mental readiness to attend college.
In light of these findings, it’s time for schools to prioritize mental health support and provide resources that can help their students’ mental well-being. By doing so, we can ensure that students feel adequately prepared and confident to make an informed decision on college enrollment, regardless of their background or their circumstances. Here are a few ways you can prioritize your students’ mental health:
- Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their emotions and concerns without judgment. Encourage open dialogue and active listening to promote mental well-being.
- Offer Accessible Resources: Ensure that students have easy access to mental health resources and support systems. Provide information on school counseling services, helplines, and community organizations that can assist students in times of need.
- Promote Self-Care and Stress-Reducing Techniques: Educate students about the importance of self-care and teach them practical strategies for managing stress. Encourage healthy habits such as regular physical activity, proper sleep, and mindfulness techniques.
Concerns surrounding college enrollment
Some students simply believe that the value of a college degree is declining. With the increase in the number of people from this generation attending college in comparison to prior generations, this is a valid concern. The EAB report also revealed that one in five students who decide not to enroll in college cite concerns about the worth of a college degree.
The pandemic also had a profound impact on students’ academic preparedness for college, resulting in gaps in their achievement. This led to more than a fourth of the students who were surveyed expressing doubts about their potential success in college.
These concerns rank closely behind affordability and value as top considerations. The EAB also highlights the role of limited access to in-person instruction and reduced opportunities for social interactions, which have contributed to a decrease in students’ confidence and sense of belonging, especially in academic settings.
TSI’s take
As educators, we have the opportunity to guide our students to make informed choices that align with their goals and dreams, whether or not they choose to go to college. It’s important to keep in mind that each student has unique goals, aspirations, and circumstances that shape their educational path. Our role is to support them in their decision-making, providing the necessary tools, information, and support to empower them to make choices aligned with their passions and strengths. By creating a supportive environment that acknowledges and validates their decisions, we foster their personal growth and success and empower our students to thrive and achieve their goals on the path that suits them best.
We are all still feeling some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover practical solutions for addressing student well-being in their post-pandemic lives with our white paper, Prioritizing student well-being to accelerate academic recovery. In the report, we provide actionable strategies and insights to create a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and success.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.