College enrollment is down across the country as Gen Z continues to look beyond the traditional path to success. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 prompted many college-aged teens to rethink their education plans. Back then, YPulse found that two in five Gen Z agreed with the statement, “The pandemic has made me less interested in pursuing higher education,” and 25% of university students reported considering dropping out of their degree program during the pandemic. While this drop was first thought of as a “pandemic blip,” it has accelerated, turning into a full-blown crisis. Nationwide, undergraduate college enrollment dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022, the steepest decline on record according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Instead of seeking degrees, many Gen Z are turning to hourly jobs or careers that don’t require a degree, while others are simply turning away from the prospect of student debt. (Fortune)
