CLEVELAND — College enrollment has been on a steady decline.
Citing data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Best Colleges reports that in 2021, enrollment was down almost 15% from its peak in 2010.
“During the pandemic, the biggest enrollment loss that we saw was two-year programs," Maggie McGrath, executive director of Higher Education Compact Greater Cleveland, said. "Four-year enrollment stayed steady for us."
The organization collaborated with College Now Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Say Yes! Cleveland to host the "Cleveland Goes to College Fair" at the East Professional Center Tuesday. Event organizers say representatives from more than 90 colleges, universities, and trade programs were on hand to meet with over 1,200 CMSD students rotating in and out of the fair during the morning session.
East Tech Senior Siy Stoutemire is undecided about his plans after graduation.
"Either college or either trade school," he said. "If something like that doesn't work out at all, I'm just going to join the Army."
The 18-year-old says he is leaning more towards attending college because of what a degree can do for his earning potential.
"You could make the most money if you get a college degree," Stoutemire explained. "That's what I've been told. Hopefully, it's true."
According to the Social Security Administration, "men with bachelor's degrees earn approximately $900,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates. Women with bachelor's degrees earn $630,000 more."
"Students are really understanding now that to earn a family sustaining wage, some sort of post-secondary credential is necessary," McGrath concurred.
Numbers from Higher Education Compact show that college enrollment within one year of graduation for CMSD graduates dropped from 61% in 2011 to 39% in 2021. McGrath says the No. 1 obstacle to attending college is the price.
"We do see the biggest hurdle is affordability and financial aid," she added, "but there is financial aid out there for students."
Lincoln West Junior Martha Rajabu agrees.
"Most people don't want to go to college because of the tuition and how high it is," she said.
Rajabu says attending college fairs like the "Cleveland Goes to College Fair" helps her to determine how she is going to pay for college and choose the best path to reach her dream of becoming a nurse.
"It allows me to … highlight the universities that I like and I don't like, because when I become a senior, it could be easy for me to say, 'This is the college that I’m going to.'"
For those who want to attend college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting funds.
