Title: Some College, No Credential Learners: Measuring Enrollment Readiness
Source: Straighterline, UPCEA
UPCEA and StraighterLine carried out a survey to examine the driving factors, obstacles, preparedness, and viewpoints of individuals who started but did not finish a degree, certificate, technical, or vocational program. This population, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, has grown to 36.8 million, a 2.9 percent increase from the year prior. A total of 1,018 participants completed the survey.
Key findings related to respondents’ readiness to re-enroll include:
- Predictive factors: Mental resilience, routine readiness, a positive appraisal of institutional communication, and belief in the value of a degree strongly predict re-enrollment intentions.
- Academic preparedness: A majority of respondents (88 percent) feel proficient in core academic skills (e.g., reading, writing, math, critical thinking), and 86 percent feel competent using technology for learning tasks.
- Financial readiness: More than half (58 percent) believe they cannot afford tuition and related expenses, while only 22 percent feel financially prepared.
- Career and personal motivations: The top motivators for re-enrolling include improving salary (53 percent), personal goals (44 percent), and pursuing a career change (38 percent).
- Beliefs in higher education: Trust in higher education declines after stopping out. While 84 percent of those who had been enrolled in a degree program initially believed a degree was essential for their career goals, only 34 percent still hold that belief. Additionally, just 42 percent agree that colleges are trustworthy.
- Grit readiness: Four in five respondents feel adaptable and persistent through challenges, and 71 percent say they can handle stress effectively.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Three-fourths of respondents are open to changing routines and adjusting to new environments.
- Learning environment: Half of respondents report having access to a study-friendly environment, but 11 percent report not having such access.
- Time management: Nearly two-thirds are prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort to complete their education.
- Support systems: About three in every five respondents receive family support for continuing education, but only 31 percent feel supported by their employers.
Key findings related to enrollment funnel experiences include:
- Preferred communication channels: When inquiring about a program, 86 percent of respondents like engaging via email, 42 percent through phone calls, and 39 percent via text messages, while only 6 percent want to use a chatbot.
- Timeliness and quality of communication: A majority (83 percent) agree or strongly agree that the communication they received when reaching out to a college or university about a program was timely, and 80 percent found it informative.
- Enrollment experience: Among those who re-enrolled, 88 percent found that the enrollment process was efficient, 84 percent felt adequately supported by their institution, and 78 percent found the process easy.
- Challenges from inquiry to enrollment: Nearly one-third (31 percent) encountered difficulties with financial aid support, 29 percent experienced delays in getting their questions answered, and 21 percent reported poor communication from the institution.
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—Nguyen DH Nguyen
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