The Need
Our nation needs the talents and energy of every young mind.
Yet extraordinary numbers of bright, capable high school students are not realizing their potential through higher education.
According to recent projections, an estimated 72% of jobs in the United States will require education or training beyond high school by 2031. Approximately 12.5 million job openings each year will require at least some college education.
Critical Factors
Knowledge & Access
Low-income students and those who would be first in their families to attend college often don’t have access to career planning support, and they may be unfamiliar with the complexities of today’s college application process. The recommended student-to-counselor ratio is 250:1.
- According to most recent reports, the national average is 376:1 and in some states as high as 645:1.
- Public high school counselors spend only about 22% of their time on postsecondary admission counseling and 6% on occupational counseling and job placement.
Cost
Research shows that cost is the single most important factor in a student’s consideration of higher education. Many students simply do not know that financial aid is available.
- The cost of college has risen dramatically over time. After adjusting for inflation, average undergraduate tuition and fees have nearly tripled since the 1960s, placing higher education further out of reach for many families.
- Nearly one-third of high school students agree with the statement, “Even if you get accepted to college, your family cannot afford to send you.” Students who hold this belief are significantly less likely to enroll in college.
We are so fortunate to have an adviser at Soldan International Studies High School. Ms. Wilkins helps our students apply to college, fill out the FASFA, and identify the postsecondary plans that work well for them. She's such a positive force. We love College Advising Corps.Theresa Lydon-Lorson, School Counselor