Enrollment is declining in higher education, and while it’s easy to blame it on the pandemic, data show it has been going on for longer than that. At the same time, an abundance of research shows that a postsecondary education is one of the best drivers of economic and social mobility.
Although money is often cited as the main obstacle to postsecondary education for many would-be college students, it is not the only barrier to overcome, according to a new report from HCM Strategists and Edge Research.
Students also want support that extends beyond financial, including programs that fit around their schedules, free laptops, internet access, the availability of academic counselors to help them navigate which classes to take, and opportunities to get real-world, hands-on experience while in school.