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☆ Fewer students are graduating from college, but certificate programs are way up
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

PhotoAlto/Dinoco GrecoGetting a college degree seems increasingly less appealing. College degree earners fall nearly 3%Community college pathway is 'at risk'Historically, a two-year degree was considered an economical alternative to a bachelor's, or even a more affordable pathway to a four-year college. In fact, just 16% of all community college students ultimately attain a bachelor's degree, according to recent reports by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Community college as a stepping stone is "at risk," Shapiro said, and "that's very bad news." Submitting a FAFSA is also one of the best predictors of whether a high school senior will go on to college, according to the National College Attainment Network.

Persons: Shapiro, Joe Biden, it's, Sandy Baum, Baum Organizations: Community College Research Center, Columbia University, Aspen Institute College Excellence, Student Clearinghouse Research, Community, Federal, National College, Network, Seniors, U.S . Department of Education, Education, Urban Institute

☆ More students are dropping out of college — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Although college enrollment declines leveled off this year, the number of students who started but then withdrew has been on the rise, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. At the same time, roughly 26% of current undergraduates have seriously considered leaving college or are at risk of dismissal, according to a separate report by education lender Sallie Mae. "We need more support for early college planning, especially for first-generation students or those from underserved communities," said Rick Castellano, a spokesperson for Sallie Mae. Among students who are considering putting their education on hold, most said it was due to financial concerns. Others cite a loss of motivation or life change followed by mental health challenges, Sallie Mae found.

Persons: Sallie Mae, Rick Castellano Organizations: Student Clearinghouse Research

☆ Transferring from community college to a four-year school isn't often successful — it's 'terribly unfortunate,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Going to community college and then transferring to a four-year school is often considered one of the best ways to get a degree for significantly less money. More students are choosing community college at the outset. Enrollment last fall at community colleges rose 2.6%, far more than any other institution type, according to the National Student Clearinghouse's latest research. However, nationwide, only about one third of students who start at community colleges ultimately transfer to four-year schools, and fewer than half of those transfer students earn a bachelor's degree within six years. That means just 16% of all community college students attain a bachelor's degree, according to recent reports by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Persons: Josh Wyner, Tatiana Velasco, Rodriguez Organizations: National, Community College Research Center, Columbia University, Aspen Institute College Excellence, Student Clearinghouse Research, Finance, Biden, Aspen Institute College

☆ College enrollment picks up for the first time in over a decade — but student loan debt is still a major sticking point
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

For the first time in over a decade, more students are choosing to go to college. Undergraduate enrollment rose 1.2% in the fall of 2023 compared with one year earlier — a gain of roughly 176,000 students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse's latest research. "The number of students in college has finally turned the corner after years of decline," said Doug Shapiro, executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. "Students have been increasingly opting for shorter term degrees and more vocational programs and vocational certificates," he added — at the expense of a four-year degree. "We have more families asking about pre-professional programs," Greenberg said.

Persons: Doug Shapiro, Z, Biden, Shapiro, Eric Greenberg, Greenberg Organizations: National, Student Clearinghouse Research, Finance, Greenberg Educational Group Locations: New York

☆ Now hiring: ‘New-collar’ workers, no degree necessary
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The labor market may be cooling but there are opportunities ahead, especially for new-collar workers. So called "new-collar" jobs typically require highly skilled workers and often come with salaries in the top half of the U.S. wage scale — but they don't require a college degree. "New-collar jobs may not require a traditional college degree," she wrote in 2016. Federal data also shows that trade school students are more likely to be employed after school than their degree-seeking counterparts — and much more likely to work in a job related to their field of study. What's more, a growing number of companies, including many in tech, recently decided to drop degree requirements for middle-skill and higher-skill roles.

Persons: Ginni Rometty, Doug Shapiro Organizations: IBM, Finance, Student Clearinghouse Research

☆ With or without loan forgiveness, fewer students are enrolling in college, questioning the return on investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hero Images | Hero Images | Getty ImagesEven before the Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden's plan to forgive student debt, fewer students were enrolling in college. But this fall, freshman enrollment continued its slide, sinking 3.6%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. "This is more bad news for four-year colleges," said Doug Shapiro, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's executive director. Rising college costs and ballooning student debt balances have caused more students to question the return on investment. But increasingly, borrowers are struggling under the weight of education debt, which today totals more than $1.7 trillion.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Rick Castellano, Sallie Mae, Doug Shapiro, Shapiro Organizations: Nationwide, Student Clearinghouse Research, Clearinghouse Research, Student, Research, Lumina, Gallup

☆ This month, 200,000 high school seniors will get automatic college acceptance letters — before even applying
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Last spring, the State University of New York sent automatic acceptance letters to 125,000 graduating high school students. College enrollment is fallingPhoto: Bryan Y.W. These days, only about 62% of high school seniors in the U.S. immediately go on to college, down from 68% in 2010. Tuition and fees at four-year private colleges rose 4% to $41,540 in the 2023-24 school year from $39,940 in 2022-23. At four-year, in-state public colleges, the cost increased 2.5% to $11,260 from $10,990 the prior school year, according to the College Board.

Persons: Jenny Rickard, Bryan Y.W, Doug Shapiro Organizations: State University of New York, Nationwide, Student, Student Clearinghouse Research, National Center for Education Statistics, College Board, Financial Locations: U.S

☆ More high schoolers try this college savings strategy: It's like getting two years free, says expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Students take a mix of high school- and college-level courses, shortening the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and one to two years of college coursework. "For every class you can take in high school, that's one less class you are financing down the road," said Chad McGuire, director of Post's High School Academy. These programs are not restricted to high school students on a specific, and often accelerated, academic track, as many AP classes are. Where dual enrollment falls shortNearly two-thirds of community college dual enrollment students nationally were from low- or middle-income families, according to a 2017 study from the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Of those students, 88% continued on to college after high school, and most earned a degree within six years.

Persons: Chad McGuire, McGuire, They're, Martha Parham Organizations: National Student Clearinghouse Research, University's High School Academy, Post's High School Academy, American Association of Community Colleges, Community College Research Center, Columbia University Locations: Waterbury , Connecticut

☆ As more colleges are promising high schoolers guaranteed admission, 'everybody wins,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Sonoma State University Courtesy: Sonoma State UniversityTo help make college a reality, Sonoma State University is trying a relatively new approach: High school students who have completed the requisite coursework and have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA are now "guaranteed admission" to the Rohnert Park, California-based school. Last spring, the State University of New York sent automatic acceptance letters to 125,000 graduating high school students. College enrollment is droppingSonoma State University Courtesy: Sonoma State UniversityStill, fewer students are going to college. More high schoolers want career trainingMost Americans still agree a college education is worthwhile when it comes to career goals and advancement. High schoolers are putting more emphasis on career training and post-college employment, the nonprofit found after polling more than 5,000 high school students six times since February 2020.

Persons: Ed Mills, Mills, Robert Franek, Franek, Lakhani, Doug Shapiro, Cole Clark, Connie Livingston Organizations: Sonoma, Sonoma State University, California State University, Finance, Princeton, Virginia Commonwealth University, State University of New York, Sonoma State University Still, Nationwide, CNBC, National Center for Education Statistics, Student Clearinghouse Research, College Board, Public, USA, ECMC Group, Junior Achievement, Citizens, Brown University Locations: , California, Sonoma State, Richmond , Virginia, New York, U.S

☆ Community college is on the rise for Gen Z as high tuition rates and job opportunities encourage them to skip 4-year degrees
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Alexandra York | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Community college enrollment rose this spring for the first time in a decade. Another route becoming more prevalent among the cohort is opting for community college instead of four-year undergraduate degrees. But according to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment rose 0.5% in spring 2023. The drastic difference in cost is pushing many toward the two-year community college degrees. PMG, a global advertising company, offers a partnership with the local community college, Tarrant County College.

☆ Supreme Court decision on Biden's student loan forgiveness plan is key for those who never finish college
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"Growing numbers of stop-outs and fewer returning students have contributed to the broader enrollment declines in recent years," said Doug Shapiro, executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. "There's a variety of issues students face in college, many unexpected," said Rick Castellano, a spokesperson for Sallie Mae. Students with 'some college' more likely to defaultIf Biden's plan to cancel $400 billion in student loans is blocked, default rates may spike, the U.S. Department of Education has warned. But the borrowers most in jeopardy of defaulting are those who start college but never finish. The default rate among borrowers who leave with student debt but no degree is three times higher than the rate for borrowers who have a diploma.

☆ No one wants to be an accountant anymore, but a program aimed at high schoolers looks to fix the shortage
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Accounting firms are facing a significant staffing shortage. Between the long hours, stressful deadlines and unflattering stereotype, more people are quitting the profession then going into it. Instead, students straight out of college are choosing to pursue careers in related fields like investment banking, consulting or data analysis. The additional credit hours required to earn a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license don't help either. Starting in the fall, some public high school juniors and seniors can take Intro to Financial Accounting and earn three college credits through the University of Pittsburgh, which they can then transfer to the college of their choice.

☆ This strategy could save thousands off the cost of college: 'It's a very smart way to start your higher education,' says expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Gabriel Quezada, 17, is a senior at Early College High School in Costa Mesa, California. His father, Humberto Quezada, said he first heard about the Early College High School in Costa Mesa, California, when Gabriel was in third grade. Although there are up to 900 early college programs nationwide, according to Zeiser, not that many people know about them. 'A very smart way to start your higher education'"The culture is different from your average high school," said David Martinez, principal of the Early College High School. David Martinez principal of Early College High School, Costa Mesa, California

College enrollment has declined over the last decade. Here are three reasons why college enrollment may have collapsed. Why learn when you can earnThe robust labor market may have also contributed to college enrollment falling. Such attacks on colleges over the years might have caused Republicans to question the skill benefits of a college education. Did you get a job without a college degree?

☆ From dual enrollment to course sharing, these 4 moves can help you save big on college costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Take college courses in high schoolDual enrollment is a state-run program that allows students to take college-level classes, often through a local community college, while they are still in high school. As many as 3 in 10 community college students are in dual enrollment programs, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Unlike Advanced Placement, the program in which high school students take courses and exams that could earn them college credit, dual enrollment credits are more likely to transfer. Over four years, early college programs cost about $3,800 more per student than traditional high school, according to one study. Try course sharingIf you are already enrolled in a four-year school, tapping community college courses can still be a worthwhile way to cut costs, a strategy known as course sharing.

☆ With a possible recession looming, here's how to decide if you should to go back to school
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Historically, enrollment in graduate school picks up amid recession as workers take the time to "skill up" or pivot to another industry with better career prospects or pay. "When the economy goes down, the interest in graduate schools goes up," said Eric Greenberg, president of Greenberg Educational Group, a New York-based consulting firm. Still, a recession may be looming, some experts say, which raises the question of whether going back to school makes more sense than trying to weather a potential period of unemployment. In 2020, nationwide enrollment in graduate school initially sank but then quickly rebounded in 2021, only to slump again in the fall of 2022. There's usually a lag time of up to a year after the economy slows before workers return to school for retraining, he said.

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