Future Education Expectations of High School Students Decline to the Lowest Level in 20 Years for Both First-Generation and Continuing Generation Students. Research Brief
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| Title: | Future Education Expectations of High School Students Decline to the Lowest Level in 20 Years for Both First-Generation and Continuing Generation Students. Research Brief |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sean Simone, Elise Christopher, Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education |
| Source: | Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. 2025. |
| Availability: | Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. 1025 Vermont Avenue NW Suite 1020, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-638-2887; Fax: 202-638-3808; e-mail: info@pellinstitute.org; Web site: http://www.pellinstitute.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 3 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Educational Trends, Trend Analysis, High School Students, College Students, Student Attitudes, Expectation, Educational Attitudes, First Generation College Students, Academic Aspiration, Bachelors Degrees, Paying for College |
| Abstract: | In recent years, a narrative has taken hold in the popular media that college may not be worth the investment, given the increasing costs of college. However, national studies have consistently shown that higher levels of education are related to higher pay, upward mobility, improved health outcomes, and greater civic involvement. The purpose of this brief is to explore whether this narrative may be affecting the educational expectations of students. This analysis demonstrates that student views on attaining higher degrees have changed over time, with fewer high school students indicating aspirations for bachelor's degrees. While the data are correlational, the narrative on the uncertainty in paying for college likely increases uncertainty for high schoolers as they plan for their future education. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | ED677331 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In recent years, a narrative has taken hold in the popular media that college may not be worth the investment, given the increasing costs of college. However, national studies have consistently shown that higher levels of education are related to higher pay, upward mobility, improved health outcomes, and greater civic involvement. The purpose of this brief is to explore whether this narrative may be affecting the educational expectations of students. This analysis demonstrates that student views on attaining higher degrees have changed over time, with fewer high school students indicating aspirations for bachelor's degrees. While the data are correlational, the narrative on the uncertainty in paying for college likely increases uncertainty for high schoolers as they plan for their future education. |
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