900,000 fewer kids enrolled in college since the pandemic; direct intervention is essential

By: Taylor Ramsey, Executive Director, OneGoal Metro Atlanta

Last month, OneGoal Metro Atlanta hosted our third annual Student Summit at Clayton State University where 600 OneGoal juniors and seniors from across the metro area came together for a day of inspiration, connection and empowerment as they pursue their postsecondary goals. During the event, students explored a variety of postsecondary pathways in workshops led by industry professionals, went on campus tours, and attended an opportunity fair where they connected with colleges, technical schools and other postsecondary programs.  As a postsecondary access and success program, OneGoal developed this student-centered event because we know that students need to see it to believe it. 

This high-energy, celebratory day of learning is important against a backdrop of continued declining enrollment and well-documented hesitancies about affordability and the value proposition of a postsecondary degree or credential. College enrollment declined by about 6% since the start of the pandemic, amounting to 900,000 fewer undergraduates  since fall 2019, the majority being students from low-income communities and students of color.  

Experts aren’t clear whether the decline represents a lingering pandemic effect or a more fundamental shift in student attitudes about the value and necessity of college. As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the positive impact a college degree or credential can have on a young person’s trajectory. 900,000 fewer students attending college, particularly from low-income families, is likely to have a devastating effect on their lifetime earnings, job stability, and overall economic opportunities. 

As Georgians, these declines in postsecondary enrollment should be of particular concern as we consider that by 2025, nearly 60% of jobs in the state will require some kind of degree or credential, yet less than 30% of our Metro’s young people are on track to get there.  

So, what should we do? 

1. Listen to our young people: We need to more deeply understand what our students are experiencing and how their attitudes towards school and higher education may have changed. We need to affirm and acknowledge the fears or doubts they may have about the value of a degree or credential and understand what, if any, misconceptions need to be dispelled. At OneGoal, we administer a ‘mindsets survey’ to better understand what our students believe and what they need as they pursue their postsecondary path. Events like the Student Summit come in response to what our students have named. 

2. Attack Affordability Challenges in Georgia: For far too many students, a 4-year degree is still financially out of reach. A recent comprehensive study named that many students would need to work 30 hours a week in order to pay for college; putting incredible pressure on students to balance academics and work. Continuing to advocate for state-wide completion grants and other need-based aid will be critical. To join the affordability effort, learn more about the newly launched Georgians for College Affordability. 

3. Invest in Postsecondary Advising for All: Students need to see, feel and be immersed in the breadth of exciting career and postsecondary opportunities available to them. A recent report by Learn4Life (L4L) and the Metro Atlanta Chamber found that over 16,000 high school students in the region have aptitude for in-demand careers, but lack awareness due to limited exposure. Our young people have talent, but need more opportunities to hear from role models to learn about the benefits associated with career paths, and the education and training they need to get there.   

4. Link Arms: Across Metro Atlanta and the state, there are exciting opportunities for us to coordinate our efforts to help facilitate our young people’s participation in the local economy through postsecondary attainment.  GPEE’s recent goal of ensuring 65% of young people attain a degree or credential, L4L’s postsecondary change action network, the work of Achieve Atlanta, and workforce development leaders like Georgia Power offer a blueprint for how to ensure public and private entities come together to support students in pursuing their postsecondary goals, economic opportunity and live’s of their choosing.  We have a chance to reimagine postsecondary access and completion for all of Georgia’s students by taking steps to influence policy and practice in ways that matter most for kids. 

To learn more about OneGoal, visit our website at https://www.onegoalgraduation.org/ or reach out to Taylor Ramsey at taylor.ramsey@onegoalgraduation.org