People are sitting out college in droves. During the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment has dropped nearly 7%. The long-term effects of this decline could have a dramatic impact on the economy.
"The easiest assumption is that they're out there working," says Shapiro."Unemployment is down. The labor market is good. Wages are rising for workers in low-skilled jobs. So if you have a high school diploma, this seems like a pretty good time to be out there making some money."
Wages at the bottom of the economy have increased dramatically, making minimum-wage jobs especially appealing to young people as an alternative to college. In December, for example, jobs for non-managers working in leisure and hospitalityThat could be the beginning of a whole generation of students rethinking the value of college itself."It's very tempting for high school graduates, but the fear is that they are trading a short-term gain for a long-term loss," Shapiro says.
"I feel more secure within the money I'm getting," he says. To get to and from his new job, he bought a car, which he's working to pay off. For Williams, enrolling in college means he'll have to cut back on hours and earn less money, while also spending"It's so hard," he says."I'm just like, 'Wow, if I go to school, I'm going to take time off and I'm not going to have any money for things I need.'"
He had toyed with the idea of starting community college in the new year but is now thinking he'll start next fall, to give himself another eight months to save up."Even though this job does give me the money I need, it's not enough for what I want, for what I see [for] myself or what I want for myself. So I have to put myself through college."A dramatic drop in college enrollment could spell trouble for those Americans who are opting out, as well as for their families.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More people seeking mental health services during pandemic, rise in community violenceThe COVID-19 pandemic, increasing community violence, and seasonal changes all serve as sources of stress, anxiety, and depression for many people.
Read more »
5 people detained in connection with death of off-duty LAPD officer killed during robbery attemptAn only child, Fernando Arroyos' coworkers say he had two dreams in life. His first was to be the first person in his family to go to college. He accomplished that by graduating from UC Berkeley with honors. His second dream was to become a LAPD officer.
Read more »
VIDEO: Two people hurt during gunfight at Garland parkSurveillance video from a nearby home shows two groups breaking off and then start shooting at each other with innocent bystanders nearby.
Read more »
Body of Virginia father who tried to walk home to son during snowstorm foundJacob Whaley, 34, told his family on Jan. 3 that he was going to try to make the six-mile trek to his Louisa County home.
Read more »
Man killed roommate by hitting him in head with rock during argument, cops sayThe 40-year-old from Paterson is charged with murder, according to the the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.
Read more »
Man Accused of Strangling Longtime Boyfriend During Fight Over Video Game“We see far too often across the country these days when people resort to violence over trivial and insignificant disagreements.”
Read more »