Why Are Young People Opting Not to Enroll in College More?

U.S. colleges have seen a big decline in enrollment since the pandemic began. More than 1.3 million fewer students are enrolled in colleges now than in Spring 2020, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. In a tight labor market, it may make sense to skip getting a college degree and get a job instead. But what happens when the market turns soft, and employers can be more choosy? We hear about Kiah Peschel’s pandemic-driven decision to drop out of college and why she’s not worried about her job prospects. Then, UC Berkeley Professor Tolani Britton shares some of the potential costs of not having a degree, from reduced individual earnings over a lifetime to negative impacts on health and well-being.

Send us your stories about work and careers! Email aswework@wsj.com, or leave us a voicemail at 212-416-2394.

Further Reading

“College Pays Off, but Not for Everyone” 

“Help Really Wanted: No Degree, Experience of Background Checks” “Blue Collar Workers Make the Leap to Tech Jobs: No College Degree Necessary” 

WSJ’s Life & Work Coverage  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices