College enrollment is declining: here’s why

College has been a tradition held up by a golden pedestal. A bright torch that illuminates a path that is shrouded in the uncertain darkness that is adulthood. It guides you on your way to the future. But, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, colleges collectively experienced a 15 percent decline in enrollment during the years of 2010 to 2020, a decline that hasn’t really recovered. So why have less people been deciding to leave this tool of salvation behind? Are they simply uniformed in how college can grant them a prosperous future? Perhaps. However, there is more than just ignorance that is keeping people from picking up this burning torch.

Inflation

It’s no secret that things have gotten more expensive in the past couple of years. Especially during the pandemic. Talks of rising grocery prices and house market prices were a huge concern during the pandemic. However, even before the virus made headway, prices were already rising for college tuition. Back when college started to become popular in the 1960s after WW2, tuition to a public college was about $243. Currently, according to the Education Data Initiative, the average tuition is now more than 40 times that previous amount. Although inflation rate is perfectly natural for a growing economy, the jaw dropping price hikes of college tuition leave most economists agreeing that the inflation rate regarding college tuition prices is very steep indeed.

Furthermore, this is just college tuition itself. This doesn’t account for the food students will be buying, the board they will be living in and the extra expenses of supplies for classes all draining their wallets.  

Education Funding Cuts

In 2025, President Donald Trump nearly cut $12 billion in education funding. This of course will affect public schooling for elementary, junior high and high school students, but does it affect college students? According to the Journalist Resource, although some funding for private and public colleges comes from the local community—through public programs, the creation of jobs, and, of course, tuition and other fees from students—colleges and universities also commonly receive a good amount from government funding. Due to these recent budget cuts, this will affect certain programs, eliminating them completely or having reconstruction done to them.

Elimination of Several DEI Programs

Some of the programs on the chopping block were several DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs). As far back as 2023, two years before the major funding cuts administered by the Trump Administration, DEI programs were already sparking controversy in the right winged party. Knowing that DEI programs may be taken away, several protests occurred around the nation including one held at the University of Northern Iowa as detailed by the Northern Iowan Newspaper. Many argue that by eliminating these programs, it endangers and alienates students that may come from a marginalized background. In conclusion, the elimination of several DEI programs possibly caused many students to turn down the idea of college.

Regardless of these issues, college can still be a viable option for students. Scholarships and grants allow free money to students who may be struggling financially. Community colleges offer lower tuition costs than your average university and have available transfer programs to help save students a lot of money. 

Of course, if you are still disinterested in the idea of college, there are several ways that you can prepare yourself for the future. Trade schools as well as internships programs are great ways to get first steps into a business. Gap years are also a viable option if you still need time to decide. 

Don’t feel pressured into jumping into something you’re unsure about. Save some money, do some planning and figure out what is best for you.