According to Fagen Wassani, there is a decline in the number of high school graduates aged 16 to 24 enrolling in traditional college education. Several factors contribute to this trend, including economic anxiety, burdensome student loans, remote learning experiences during the pandemic, and shifting perspectives on the value of a degree. As a result, some members of Gen Z are turning away from the conventional higher education path and exploring alternative options like trade schools and apprenticeships.
