A new nationwide survey from American Student Assistance® (ASA) of 3,000+ students in the seventh through 12th grades gives insights into teens’ plans after high school. The research, “Next Steps: An Analysis of Teens’ Post-High School Plans,” uncovers evolving trends in teenagers’ attitudes, perceptions, and decision-making about their post-high school plans.
The survey offers notable findings regarding parental influence on teens’ planning, perceptions of nondegree pathways like trade or technical school, apprenticeships, and certificate programs, and a continued drop-off in kids’ plans to go to college immediately after high school graduation.
Key findings include:
- Teens’ interest in college is down while nondegree paths are on the rise. Nearly half of all students said they aren’t interested in going to college, with just 45% saying two- or four-year college was their most likely next step. Meanwhile, 38% of teens said they were considering trade or technical schools, apprenticeships, and technical bootcamp programs, although only 14% say that such a path is their most likely next step.
- Parents are one of teens’ biggest influencers – and they’re skeptical of nondegree options. A vast majority (82%) of teens said their parents agree with their plans to go to four-year college, while only 66% said parents supported plans to pursue a nondegree route. In fact, teens reported parents were actually more supportive (70%) of foregoing education altogether right after high school vs. pursuing a nondegree program.
Learn more by reading the full report below.
