Although the data shows the rate of high school graduates enrolling within a year of their graduation is significantly higher for students from low poverty high schools.
Junior Achievement and Citizen polled 1,000 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 in July.
Roughly half, or 49%, believe a high school degree, trade program, two-year degree or other type of enrichment program is the highest level of education needed for their anticipated career path.
"Teens are starting to get a clearer idea, if they are not going to go the college route, of what the alternatives might be," said Ed Grocholski, chief marketing officer at Junior Achievement.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and technology training have also helped change the equation for some young people, Junior Achievement found.
Persons:
Doug Shapiro, Shapiro, Ed Grocholski
Organizations:
Student Clearinghouse Research, Finance, Junior Achievement, Citizen