Student Voice Report

For years, experts have predicted that the number of 18-year-olds entering college will begin a long period of decline due to lower birthrates after the 2008 recession. Now, that period — the "enrollment cliff" — is here. The new era of higher education is defined by learners with diverse preferences and expectations. Institutions can no longer survive on past traditions dominated by the high school student enrolling in college. By implementing innovative strategies, institutions can unlock new revenue streams and meet learners where they are — including those who have stopped out (left college before completion) or opted out of higher education entirely.

In February 2025, Ellucian partnered with EMI Research Solutions to conduct a survey of over 1,500 U.S. learners to understand the motivation behind why prospective, current, and former students decide to pursue, continue, or forgo higher education.

Discover the key findings behind the challenges and opportunities that face institutions today.