Impact of Recession on Prospective Adult Students

EduVentures has released a timely survey of the attitudes of adults about the value of higher education. It reveals the same level of complexity and uncertainty that consumers in general are feeling as they try to make sense of how the recession is impacting their lives.

While it is often argued that demand for higher education increases during economic downturns, this study indicates that less than half of the respondents thought the value of an education had increased over the last year.  And twenty percent thought the value had decreased.  Thirty-six percent said that the recession had caused them to “slow down or delay” plans to enroll in higher education.  And forty-three percent were worried about their ability to remain enrolled if they were to start work on a degree.  Like many Americans, these prospective students are worried about possible job loss or taking on additional educational work when they may face increasing expectations at work. 

What is perhaps the strongest message about what is important to prospective adult students during these anxious and uncertain times is that they seek programs that are more flexible, including online programs, and those programs that allow a quick pathway to career enhancement.  That should come as no surprise.

While some of this information is not surprising, it is helpful to have data to better understand the pressures that prospective adult students are experiencing as they weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a higher education degree.  This audience is critically important to the national goal to remain internationally competitive by assuring a well educated and highly skilled American workforce.  That goal will only be accomplished by increasing higher education participation rates, as President Obama has called for.  We must seek ways to help those adults who are considering higher education enrollment to participate in ways that fit within the competing demands they face, reduces their risk, and provides support for them as they balance work, life, and furthering their education.

Your thoughts or reactions? Feel free to submit a comment.

Mike