Gallup and Lumina Foundation have released a new report titled The State of Higher Education 2023. The organizations partnered together to identify barriers to enrollment and what encourages current students to either stay or leave their current programs.
The report is based on web surveys conducted between October 26 and November 17, 2022. A total of 12,015 adults (18-59) who have a high school degree/diploma or equivalent and have not yet completed an associate or bachelor’s degree were surveyed. The data was then weighted to match national demographics.
Some key highlights of the report include:
- College enrollment has declined over the past decade, and fewer students are choosing traditional four-year institutions. This trend is most pronounced among students from lower-income families.
- There is a growing emphasis on the value of vocational and technical education, as well as alternative forms of higher education such as apprenticeships, online programs, and bootcamps.
- Despite concerns about the cost of college, most Americans still believe that a college degree is essential for success in today’s economy.
- However, there is a significant gap between the perceived value of a college degree and the actual experiences of many students. For example, only about half of recent graduates say that their college education was worth the cost.
- Students are increasingly seeking out institutions that prioritize hands-on learning, internships, and other forms of experiential education. They are also looking for institutions that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- There is a growing recognition that mental health and wellbeing are critical components of student success, and many institutions are investing in resources to support their students’ mental health.
- Finally, there are significant disparities in outcomes for students from different backgrounds. For example, students of color are more likely to face financial and academic challenges, and they are less likely to graduate on time. Addressing these disparities will be critical for ensuring that all students have access to the benefits of higher education.
Download the full report here.
Source: Featured Report | The State of Higher Education 2023 Report