It is now that time of year when senior students are applying for colleges and universities. When applying for college, there are many factors that students must consider. What do I want to major in? How can I afford this? What career will I pursue after college? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61.8% of high school graduates in 2021 enrolled in a college or university. College is not the only directional path students take after completing high school. Some students enlist in the military to serve the country. Serving in the military gives you access to training programs and the ability to learn various skills, which can help benefit you in different job opportunities. Nonetheless, there are healthcare benefits that those in the service acquire due to their enlistment. Many students also enter the workforce after high school to support themselves financially. Some jobs don’t require years of education, and students can join employment training to prepare them for such careers. Students tend to fear going to college because of financial expenses. On average, the ultimate price of a bachelor’s degree may be as high as $509,434, considering lost income and loan interest. Enrolling in a community college is more reasonable financially, and according to Education Data Initiative, California has the least expensive community college system in the nation. We asked our senior students what their plans for the future were. While many students had a lot ahead of them planned out, some were also unsure.

• The rate of enrollment among new high school graduates declined 5.29% year-over-year
• The rate of female college attendance has nearly doubled since 1947, increasing 98.1%.
• 83.0% of first-year college students are full-time students
• 77.7% of undergraduates attend public institutions

*Information from Education Data Initiative on College Enrollment Statistics