Per a recent report issued by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, nearly 1 million fewer students have enrolled in college since the beginning of the pandemic. Between the tuition that continues to rise each year and the mounting student loan debt associated with many new enrollees, many would-be freshmen are opting out of the college track. Many individuals are struggling to see the value of obtaining a college education, and instead, given the current demand for workers because of the pandemic, many are opting to begin work straight out of high school. In addition to traditional colleges, community colleges, which usually see increased enrollment during periods of economic stress, are hurting even worse. Many of their potential students are usually older, lower income, balance work, school, children, and other obligations, and most of whom have been hit the hardest during the pandemic.
Source: CNBC