High school students’ interest in college sinks, only 45% now considering university
July 29, 2025
High school students’ interest in pursuing higher education dropped from 73% down to 45% in a matter of years.
The reports backs up students’ concerns about the worth of their degrees and their prospects in the post-graduation job market.
A new national report reveals a sharp decline in college interest among high schoolers, with fewer than half of U.S. teens now viewing college as their likely next step after graduation.
Only 45% of teens surveyed in 2024 said they plan to attend a two- or four-year college, down from 73% in 2018, according to a study released this year by American Student Assistance (ASA), a nonprofit focused on career readiness.
The report’s findings highlight an accelerating shift away from traditional higher education in favor of vocational paths, apprenticeships, and immediate entry into the workforce.
