More high school graduates reject 4-year degrees

Key points:

• More than half of students surveyed say they will choose not to pursue the traditional four-year college degree.
• This decision to pursue alternative postsecondary options indicates an evolving postsecondary landscape.
• See related article: Companies go to institutes for professional training
• For more career readiness news, visit eSN’s Innovative Teaching page

According to a new survey from YourScience, a technology provider dedicated to solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers. Findings from the second annual YouScience national conference 2023 Graduate Preparation Report.

Comparatively, for graduates of the classes of 2019-22, this figure was 48 percent, indicating a notable transformation within the educational landscape. This paradigm shift highlights a growing sentiment among recent high school graduates who are increasingly questioning the value of earning a conventional four-year college degree and exploring alternative paths.

The report, based on a nationwide online survey covering more than 500 students from the graduating high school classes of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, highlights the changing trajectories of postsecondary education, the driving forces behind these changes and the growing need for more personalized guidance in today’s rapidly evolving educational and work environments.

At a time when industry leaders are fighting against talent shortage and Nearly six million Americans remain unemployed.This survey emphasizes the critical importance of improving the education and engagement of our future workforce.

Key findings from the report include:

The decision to pursue alternative postsecondary options indicates an evolving postsecondary landscape. Twenty-seven percent of respondents in the class of 2023 reported attending a two-year college, while 13 percent work as part of a career plan, 9 percent have no plan, 7 percent attend to a technical or trade school, 8 percent are taking time off and/or gap year(s), and 5 percent are joining the military.

There is a pressing need to raise awareness of the variety of post-secondary educational and career opportunities at the high school level. Thirty percent of the graduating class of 2023 were unaware of available career and technical education (CTE) programs. A breakdown in communication between students and educators may be a factor behind a lack of knowledge of the CTE program.

Sixty-five percent of Class of 2023 graduates have had five or fewer conversations with teachers or counselors about post-high school options, and high school graduates feel unsure about their current chosen paths. Nearly a third (31 percent) of the class of 2023 is unsure of where they want to be in their education or career path. Thirty-four percent of those who graduated between 2020 and 2022 expressed similar uncertainty.

Sixty-four percent of students who graduated high school between 2020 and 2023 reported having changed majors since their initial selection and 45 percent reported changing majors two or more times.

During their middle and high school years, students are encouraged to shape their educational and career paths through courses that provide a foundation of foundational knowledge. However, a common problem arises when students make these decisions without a clear understanding of their own strengths, often resulting in dissatisfaction and disengagement after graduation.

The research also found that for two consecutive years:

• Eighty-three percent of respondents wish they had better understood their natural abilities as it would have increased their commitment to learning.
• Unfortunately, only 33 percent of the class of 2023 reported regular exposure to various post-graduate career options. This highlights a gap in students’ exposure to various educational and career options.

“Giving students a deeper understanding of their unique strengths allows them to proactively plan for their future and make well-informed post-graduate decisions,” said Edson Barton, founder and CEO of YouScience. “Our research highlights the urgency of providing students with more individualized guidance and exposure to diverse pathways. Providing our students with skills and knowledge-based guidance on a broader range of potential careers. Earlier and more effectively, we can instill the confidence needed to navigate through high school, post-secondary education and careers and ultimately prepare them for future success.”

To address the need for more personalized guidance and student pathways, YouScience offers the following recommendations:

• Use aptitude and interest assessments.
• Institute collaborative planning
• Use interdisciplinary teaching approaches.
• Introduce career-connected learning
• Use career education tools and solutions
• Take advantage of industry-recognized certifications
• Implement work-based learning, internships and apprenticeship programs

This press release originally appeared online.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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