The unsettling reality of declining enrollment in US higher education is that although institutions saw an admissions uptick post-pandemic, Americans don’t value college education as they did in years past.
A 2015 survey showed that 57% of Americans had “a great deal” or “a lot” of confidence in higher education, but by 2023, that figure dropped to 36%. Those expressing “very little” confidence jumped from 9% to 22%. These numbers expose that many no longer consider earning a postsecondary degree the path to opportunity.
Higher Education Faces a Crisis of Confidence
Why has confidence in higher education waned? There’s no singular factor contributing to this current state of affairs. For some, the rising tuition costs are a deterrent. For others, carrying a mountain of student debt far outweighs the potential benefits of a degree. Meanwhile, other individuals question whether there’s a direct link between higher education and career advancement.
A study of college dropouts reveals valuable insights into why postsecondary education is losing its appeal for many students. Participants cited feelings of isolation, lack of academic guidance, and uncertainty about the real-world applicability of their studies. This research exposes a disconnection between students and their institutions that increases dropout rates.
What does this mean for colleges? First, these institutions face the constant risk of losing prospective students. Second, they must find ways to retain those already enrolled. The consequences of this status quo can impact people’s career prospects, societal progress, and economic mobility.
A Step Toward Solutions
High education can rebuild trust by addressing these barriers head-on. One corrective measure is to focus on prospective students during the early years of high school. They can prepare for college studies with academic success coaching and career counseling.
Students can also benefit from personalized resources to explore their goals, address concerns about college readiness, and understand the practical value of postsecondary education.
Technology can reignite interest in advanced studies. For example, the Link-Systems International (LSI) NetTutor platform integrates career counseling and tutoring services to prepare students for academic success. NetTutor provides on-demand academic coaches to guide K-12 and college students. It focuses on building study skills, managing stress, and creating actionable plans aligned with students’ strengths.
Students Are Empowered Through Personalized Support
Vincent Forese, President of LSI, explains, “NetTutor’s Student Success Coaches use a blended approach to help students outline their objectives and build confidence. Our data shows that with our platform, student retention rates increase by 18%, course pass rates by 16%, and persistence to the next term by 11%.”
Programs like NetTutor can help students see the value of a college degree. One-on-one mentorship, tailored workshops, and real-time academic support can empower pupils to define their goals, explore career options, and connect learning to real-world applications.
The Road to Restoring Confidence
Students need tangible value to restore their trust in higher education, institutions, and organizations. As programs like LSI’s NetTutor demonstrate, providing accessible, personalized resources can help build faith in the promise of a college education.
The bottom line? Students with the right tools, guidance, and support are better equipped to overcome challenges, succeed academically, and unlock opportunities.
