The Next Gen Learner: A Carnegie Perspective Report

Why Students Who Aren’t Planning on College May Still Be Within Reach

Carnegie’s Next Gen Learners Report revealed that today’s students are evaluating college through a more practical lens. They are asking whether college feels affordable, flexible, livable, and connected to what comes next.

This companion perspective report takes a closer look at one critical segment from that national research: the 51% of teen respondents who said they were not currently interested in attending college.

Download the report to better understand why some students are ruling college out, what barriers are shaping that decision, and how colleges can help turn “no” into “not yet.”

70%

Of students with no college interest said a college degree is at least somewhat valuable for the average person.

65%

Of students with no college interest selected high cost as the top barrier to higher education.

62%

Of no college interest respondents said they would be at least slightly likely to consider college if certain barriers changed or were removed.

What’s Inside the Report

For enrollment and marketing leaders, this audience is easy to overlook because they may never become traditional inquiries. But the data suggests many are still forming their opinions, still see value in higher education, and may be open to reconsidering if colleges address the right barriers.

You’ll learn:

Why “no college interest” may mean “not yet” for many students
How middle school students represent an early opportunity for awareness and imagination-building
Why value and attendance are separate questions for many teens
How cost, fit, belonging, flexibility, and support shape college perceptions
What students say would make them look again
How to build messaging that makes college feel possible, practical, and worth choosing

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Download the Carnegie Perspectives Report

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Questions Answered in This Research

How is this different from the full Next Gen Learners Report?

The full report looks broadly at how today’s students are thinking about college. This companion report focuses specifically on the 51% of respondents who said they were not currently interested in attending college.

Are students with no college interest completely closed off to higher education?

No. Many students in this audience still believe college has value. Their hesitation is often connected to cost, timing, fit, support, or whether college feels realistic under their current circumstances.

What is the biggest barrier for students who are not planning on college?

Cost is the leading barrier. For many students, affordability needs to be part of the first conversation rather than a late-stage financial aid discussion.

Why does this matter for middle school outreach?

Middle school students with no college interest are often still forming their impressions of higher education. Colleges have an opportunity to help them picture what college can look like, who it can be for, and how it can connect to a future they are beginning to imagine.

What would make these students consider college?

Students named lower cost, scholarship options, clear information, proof of job outcomes, academic flexibility, supportive campus cultures, and more flexible schedules as reasons they might look again.