Findings from Ellucian, the higher education technology leader, reveal how financial uncertainty and unclear pathways are limiting higher education enrollment and completion.
Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, released its 2025 Student Voice Report: Insights on Enrollment Drivers, Stop-Out Factors, and Bridges to Lifelong Learning. The report is based on a national survey of more than 1,500 learners across the U.S. education spectrum, including high school students, current college students, graduates, “stop-outs” (those who left college without completing a degree), and “opt-outs” (those who have never enrolled). It highlights the major challenges learners face, such as financial uncertainty and lack of clear academic pathways, and identifies key opportunities to reengage them.
“Too often, learners are forced to pause or abandon their education because the path forward feels uncertain or unaffordable,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “This year’s Student Voice Report shows that many are ready to return if given the right support — whether that means clearer credit transfer pathways, personalized financial aid guidance or more access to short-term programs that align with career goals. It’s a major opportunity for institutions to remove barriers and help students move forward with confidence.”
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Financial barriers remain the top obstacle to enrollment and return.
Cost continues to be the most cited reason for not attending or completing college. This challenge spans both prospective and returning learners, signaling a need for institutions to improve financial aid visibility and affordability.
- 56% of opt-outs said financial uncertainty was the primary reason they did not pursue college.
- 53% of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent.
- 23% of stop-outs said they cannot afford upfront costs, while 15% say they are already too burdened by student debt to return to school.
For institutions, this presents a clear call to action: simplifying financial aid processes and promoting cost transparency are essential steps toward re-engaging learners.
Increased communication around degree and non-degree options supports guidance, flexibility and path to affordability.
Many students are open to returning to college or pursuing new credentials, but don’t fully understand their options. There is a significant opportunity to support re-entry and lifelong learning by clarifying pathways and elevating non-degree options.
- 60% of stop-outs said they would return to college with a clear path to completion.
- Only 22% of stop-outs understand their remaining credit requirements; just 15% are confident navigating credit transfers.
- 52% of opt-outs are unaware of non-degree program options.
- 74% of current college students can’t clearly define non-degree programs.
- When informed, 79% of graduates, 67% of current college students, and 58% of opt-outs see value in non-degree programs.
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These findings suggest that institutions could dramatically improve reengagement by offering better credit transfer tools, simplified advising, and stronger communication around flexible credential pathways.
Flexibility and continued learning are top student priorities.
Beyond how students are exploring their options, the report reveals strong interest in continued education and more flexible formats.
- 87% of current college students intend to pursue additional credentials, with 44% planning to do so within the next year.
- Dual enrollment students are showing demand for workforce-relevant pathways, with 76% valuing non-degree programs and 59% emphasizing the importance of upskilling.
- Additionally, 30% of high school students plan to complete college entirely online.
Students are also changing how they research and evaluate education options, with many turning to digital platforms for guidance. A quarter of high schoolers say social media is their primary source of education information, and more than half (53%) use it as part of their research process. This shift highlights the need for institutions to meet prospective learners where they are and ensure content is accessible, engaging, and easy to navigate online.
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Source: PR Newswire
