What Are the Biggest Barriers to Higher Education?
What Stops Potential Students from Going to College
Some of the biggest barriers to higher education include the cost of tuition, other costs associated with going to college, such as books and transportation, family obligations, lack of a clear career path, lack of mental health support, and having to work.
Why Apply But Not Enroll
The top four reasons why participants said they (or their child) applied but did not enroll are related directly to finances, with the most common reason being not enough financial aid; second, the cost of degree/program; third, work conflicts/need to work; and fourth, inflation makes it less affordable.
Value of College
When we compare participants’ responses by age, we find potential students were significantly less likely than parents of potential students to say a college degree today is very valuable.
As a whole, Inland Empire’s potential students are split on their perception of the value of a college degree today compared to a decade ago.
Perceptions of the value of a college degree today compared to the future show that Inland Empire’s potential students overall are split with nearly as many believing it will be more/less/about the same in the future.
Take-Away
Both two-year and four-year institutions can increase local enrollment by highlighting the financial benefits of being able to live at home or close to home while attending, and by highlighting some of the wraparound services offered at those institutions.