As thousands of high school students take advantage of dual-enrollment programs to earn college credits early, a growing concern is emerging: despite increased access to higher education, far too many students are failing to complete their degrees. A new opinion piece from The Hechinger Report sheds light on the stark reality of the "college crisis" in the United States, highlighting that enrollment rates are not the primary issue, but rather the alarming trend of students dropping out before graduation. The author argues that it's time to shift the focus from encouraging more students to enroll in college to understanding the systemic barriers that prevent them from finishing their degrees. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, the impact of this crisis on individuals, families, and the economy as a whole cannot be overstated.
Imagine a student who starts taking college courses while still in high school through a dual-enrollment program. By the time they arrive on campus as a first-year student, they already have credits completed. They are the first in their family to attend a four-year institution. Focused. Capable. Working part-time to help support things at home. […] The post OPINION: The real college crisis isn’t enrollment. It’s completion, and it’s time to start asking why appeared first on The Hechinger Report.