New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise. Meanwhile, parents are skeptical of options outside of the traditional college pathway to work.
One aggressive legislative package, which already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, would significantly curb eligibility for Pell Grants and fine schools for leaving students with debt.
Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act would penalize colleges with poor student loan outcomes and reward those with strong returns. Experts see potential benefits but warn the plan relies on data the government doesn’t yet have.
Facing rising college costs, more Gen Z students like Penelope Masotti are choosing skilled trades for financial stability. Masotti plans to study cosmetology after graduation, joining a growing shift away from traditional four-year degrees.
A congressional proposal would put colleges and universities on the hook when students fail to repay loans. Some experts say that would end up hurting the students themselves.
Nearly two-thirds of American voters think fewer students will attend college over the next decade because it no longer offers the advantages it once did.
On average, a college graduate earns $32,000 more in a year than a worker with only a high school diploma, according to a new report from Federal Reserve economists.
A third of college graduates feel their degrees were a waste, according to an Indeed survey, though research shows dissatisfaction is more common among those with humanities or arts degrees than in fields like engineering or computer science.
