Financial uncertainty and unclear pathways limit higher ed enrollment and completion among students who left or never enrolled in college.
Recruitment & Enrollment

More than half of students would return to college with a clear completion path


Financial uncertainty and unclear pathways are limiting higher education enrollment and completion

Key points:

If given the right support, many students who have never attended college or who left before completing a degree say they would return–marking a can’t-miss enrollment opportunity for higher-ed institutions.

The 2025 Student Voice Report: Insights on Enrollment Drivers, Stop-Out Factors, and Bridges to Lifelong Learning from Ellucian highlights the major challenges learners face, such as financial uncertainty and lack of clear academic pathways, and identifies key opportunities to reengage them.

It is based on a national survey of more than 1,500 learners across the U.S. education spectrum, including high school students, current college students, graduates, “stop-outs” (those who left college without completing a degree), and “opt-outs” (those who have never enrolled).

“Too often, learners are forced to pause or abandon their education because the path forward feels uncertain or unaffordable,” said Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of Ellucian. “This year’s Student Voice Report shows that many are ready to return if given the right support–whether that means clearer credit transfer pathways, personalized financial aid guidance or more access to short-term programs that align with career goals. It’s a major opportunity for institutions to remove barriers and help students move forward with confidence.”

Financial barriers remain the top obstacle to enrollment and return

Cost continues to be the most-cited reason for not attending or completing college. This challenge spans both prospective and returning learners, signaling a need for institutions to improve financial aid visibility and affordability.

  • 56 percent of opt-outs said financial uncertainty was the primary reason they did not pursue college
  • 53 percent of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent
  • 23 percent of stop-outs said they cannot afford upfront costs, while 15 percent say they are already too burdened by student debt to return to school

For institutions, this presents a clear call to action: simplifying financial aid processes and promoting cost transparency are essential steps toward re-engaging learners.

Increased communication around degree and non-degree options supports guidance, flexibility and path to affordability

Many students are open to returning to college or pursuing new credentials, but don’t fully understand their options. There is a significant opportunity to support re-entry and lifelong learning by clarifying pathways and elevating non-degree options.

  • 60 percent of stop-outs said they would return to college with a clear path to completion
  • Only 22 percent of stop-outs understand their remaining credit requirements; just 15 percent are confident navigating credit transfers
  • 52 percent of opt-outs are unaware of non-degree program options
  • 74 percent of current college students can’t clearly define non-degree programs
  • When informed, 79 percent of graduates, 67 percent of current college students, and 58 percent of opt-outs see value in non-degree programs

These findings suggest that institutions could dramatically improve reengagement by offering better credit transfer tools, simplified advising, and stronger communication around flexible credential pathways.

Flexibility and continued learning are top student priorities

Beyond how students are exploring their options, the report reveals strong interest in continued education and more flexible formats.

  • 87 percent of current college students intend to pursue additional credentials, with 44 percent planning to do so within the next year.
  • Dual enrollment students are showing demand for workforce-relevant pathways, with 76 percent valuing non-degree programs and 59 percent emphasizing the importance of upskilling.
  • Additionally, 30 percent of high school students plan to complete college entirely online.

Students are also changing how they research and evaluate education options, with many turning to digital platforms for guidance. A quarter of high schoolers say social media is their primary source of education information, and more than half (53 percent) use it as part of their research process. This shift highlights the need for institutions to meet prospective learners where they are and ensure content is accessible, engaging, and easy to navigate online.

This press release originally appeared online.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

eCampus News Staff
Latest posts by eCampus News Staff (see all)