About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this episode of the EduData Podcast, hosts Jamie and Timothy dive into a recent study by the Art and Science Group that explores why some high school seniors intending to go to college ultimately decide not to. They discuss the survey's fresh findings from February and March, shedding light on key factors that influence these decisions. They also examine the complex relationship between activity data and college decisions, urging educators and policymakers to consider multiple interpretations. Join them for an insightful discussion on the trends and implications of changing college plans.
Key Takeaways
- Reasons for Non-Attendance:
- The majority (53%) of students who decided against attending a four-year college plan to attend a two-year institution later.
- Only 4% of respondents felt college was not a good value, countering a common perception in public discourse.
- Political affiliation had minimal impact on college-going decisions, with just 2% citing it as a factor.
- Activity Data as Predictors:
- Filling out the FAFSA and contacting admissions were statistically significant indicators of eventual enrollment.
- Activities like attending campus tours, speaking to admissions staff, and engaging family in conversations about college also had strong correlations with attendance.
- Community College Pipeline:
- Strengthening partnerships between two-year and four-year institutions is critical as more students consider this pathway.
Episode Summary
Why Students Change Their Minds About College
The study surveyed nearly 3,000 students who initially intended to attend college but later chose not to. While cost was a factor, only a small percentage of students (4%) felt that college wasn’t worth the investment. Most (53%) pivoted toward attending a two-year institution, highlighting the growing importance of the community college pipeline in higher education strategy.
The survey also addressed common myths:
- Political Affiliation: Despite media narratives, only 2% of respondents cited political leanings as a reason for their decision not to attend.
- Socioeconomic Factors: As expected, marginalized groups and low-income students were overrepresented in the non-attending cohort, reflecting systemic challenges in access and affordability.
Activity Data: A Window into Student Decisions
The study provided compelling evidence that specific activities predict whether students will ultimately attend college. Key insights include:
- FAFSA Completion: 73% of those who filled out the FAFSA attended college, compared to 44% who didn’t.
- Admissions Engagement: Students who contacted admissions were significantly more likely to attend (70%) than those who didn’t (48%).
- Family Discussions: Engaging family in conversations about college proved to be a near-universal activity among attendees.
The hosts caution against assuming causation, emphasizing the need to interpret such data thoughtfully to avoid misleading conclusions.
The Role of Community Colleges and Partnerships
The data highlights the growing reliance on two-year colleges as an accessible entry point for students. For four-year institutions, this means:
- Investing in Transfer Pipelines: Building stronger partnerships with community colleges can help create smoother pathways for students to earn four-year degrees.
- High School Collaboration: Counselors should be equipped to guide students toward both two-year and four-year options, ensuring all pathways to success are on the table.
- Early Outreach: Connecting with students earlier and addressing affordability concerns proactively can mitigate summer melt and non-enrollment.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/
Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The EduData Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Higher Ed Geek.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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