Able Partners’ Post

Higher Ed could play a HUGE role in improving college going rates simply by making pricing more transparent. Wow. #collegeadmissions #collegeplanning #financialaid #tuitionreset #transparency #equity #financialplanning

🤔 Let's explore #retention and #persistence, shall we? 33% of #college students considered stopping out due to emotional stress in the last 6 months. 👀 55% of students of color, especially multiracial students, found it difficult to remain enrolled. 😨 What are the top 2 critical influences in students' decisions to stay enrolled? 1️⃣ Financial aid - student loan debt, high levels of employment while in college, and an inability to meet basic needs are high stressors for students 2️⃣ Confidence in the value of the degree - concerns about higher unemployment rates, the prevalence of underemployment, moving home after college are significant factors If we, in #careerservices, help our institution articulate the #ROI of a college degree, we can positively impact not only #enrollment, but also #retention. 🗝 The key is to not stop articulating the value proposition once students enroll. You must keep... ✅ sparking students' imaginations for what's possible, ✅ presenting students with opportunities, ✅ showcasing positive outcomes, as well ✅ clarifying the roadmap for how to get there. 💪 You've got this! #careerservicestransformation #highered #academicaffairs #studentaffairs Data Source: Gallup and Lumina Foundation, “The State of Higher Education 2022 Report.”

Student loan payments are starting back up for more than 43 million Americans — and it’s leaving many graduates wondering if it was worth the hassle to get the tassel. Debt loads have rendered many unable to buy homes or save money for retirement. As the return-on-investment of a bachelor’s degree becomes less apparent, college enrollment continues to decline. What’s more? More companies are adopting a skills-first hiring approach. About 19% of job postings don’t require a college degree these days according to Linkedin.

Many Gen Zers don't see the value in a higher education anymore. As Business Insider's Ayelet Sheffey explains, a BI/YouGov survey found just 39% of them think advancing their education is important. Experts said student debt, and availability of jobs that don't require degrees, will force colleges to adjust. To find out more about why Gen Zers are rejecting college, head to Business Insider. https://lnkd.in/ezXQNWDh (Credit: Getty Images) #genz #college #students #finance #studentloans

In today's ever-changing higher education landscape, students are prioritizing flexibility in their learning environment as one of the most important factors in their decision-making process. ·        They seek institutions that understand the complexities of modern life, offering a combination of in-person and online classes that accommodate busy schedules and various learning styles. ·        Affordability is another key concern for students. Students are making financial decisions with a keen eye on reducing student loan debt, and they're gravitating toward universities that actively work to alleviate the financial burden, ensuring that education remains accessible to a wider range of students. ·        Students are increasingly focused on the relevance of their chosen programs to their future careers. Universities that offer curriculum that aligns with industry trends and demands are highly desirable. These programs bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, enabling students to enter their careers with confidence and a competitive edge. Is this your institution? #highereducation #onlinelearning #changestartshere

For FSC, it has always been the metrics that matter. President John Nader, PhD reflects on the importance of metrics when embarking on the college search process. Read more below 👇 #FSC #FarmingdaleStateCollege #SUNY #RamNation #FSCRamFam #RamsDen #RampUp #FutureRam #ChooseFSC #ApplyFSC #MetricsThatMatter

16 states now hire based on skills over degrees. Yet most high school students only receive guidance focused on attending college, while lucrative trades go overlooked. In a survey by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, more students felt school prepared them for college vs. their career. This channels youth down narrow pathways, leading many to stumble into debt and unfulfilling work. As leaders like Arianna Huffington highlight, there is a “crisis of purpose” in our workforce. I recently spoke with a graduate who selected a major he quickly lost interest in. He felt obligated to stick it out just to repay loans, although the work left him unengaged. Rather than setting students up for overwhelming transitions, what if we expanded career exposure in high schools to showcase all options while providing more resources for self-reflection and introspection? Trades are desperate for skilled workers, while companies increasingly hire for hands-on abilities over degrees. By illuminating alternative pathways beyond the conventional college route, we can empower students to understand the breadth of opportunity. A recent study from Georgetown University's Center on Education states “The simple advice to high school students to 'go to college' no longer suffices."  Graduates deserve to confidently embark on educational pathways and rewarding careers aligned to their strengths and interests from the start. I believe schools need help with this, which is why I built PathSpark. ⚡ Do you have a student struggling to figure out their post-high school plans? I’d love to talk to them. ✉️ [email protected]

"Americans are souring on the value of higher education amid skyrocketing costs and a student debt crisis. A new study from the Pew Research Center revealed just 22% of Americans think college is worth the cost if a student has to take on debt. Total student debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.6 trillion, and some universities charge more than $80,000 a year for tuition, fees, room and board. You’re still likely to earn more with a bachelor’s degree than a high school degree, but inflation-adjusted earnings for young adults without college degrees have risen over the past decade. And a growing number of companies are embracing “skills-based” hiring, removing degree requirements from job listings." (Forbes Daily Dozen, May 24, 2024)

A large number of students leave college without a degree. It is hard work for colleges to reengage with these students. And there is no return on investment for students who drop out and if they have student loan debt, the college experience is a net negative. We need creative solutions and programs that meet students where they are and help them overcome the obstacles that impact their attendance. Debt relief, childcare, mental health services, coaching, advisement are a few things to consider.