This report by the College Board analyzes changes in college enrollment and retention among U.S. high school graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021, highlighting the sustained impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report incorporates a comprehensive set of data, comparing the enrollment and retention rates of these cohorts to previous years, and examines the factors influencing these changes, such as student demographics, high school characteristics, and higher education sector variables.
Main Takeaways:
- Shifts in Enrollment Patterns: The 2021 cohort saw increased enrollment in four-year institutions and decreased enrollment in two-year colleges compared to 2020, reversing some of the declines observed at the onset of the pandemic.
- Differential Impacts Across Sectors: Two-year colleges continued to experience significant declines in both enrollment and retention rates, more so than four-year institutions.
- Subgroup Variability: Historically underrepresented groups showed different patterns, with some experiencing greater shifts toward four-year institutions.
- Influence of High School and Neighborhood Characteristics: Students' likelihood of enrolling in higher education institutions varied by high school and neighborhood characteristics, affecting both the level and direction of these changes.
- State and Regional Differences: There were notable differences in enrollment and retention rates at the state and regional levels, indicating varied impacts of the pandemic across the country.