> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of the Document: The Cost of College and Its Effect on Enrollment ## Core Content This document discusses the impact of college costs on higher education enrollment and completion in the United States, highlighting the financial and emotional barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing postsecondary education. It presents findings from the Lumina Foundation-Gallup State of Higher Education 2024 study, which surveyed adults across different enrollment statuses to understand their perceptions of college value and affordability. ## Main Points - **College is expensive but seen as valuable**: Most Americans believe postsecondary credentials like associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees are extremely or very valuable. However, the high cost remains a major deterrent to enrollment and completion. - **Cost is a significant barrier**: Over half (56%) of unenrolled adults cite cost as a very important reason for not pursuing a degree, far surpassing concerns about value. Cost is also a top reason why enrolled students consider stopping out of their programs. - **Misunderstanding of costs**: Many adults, including those who are currently or previously enrolled, significantly underestimate the cost of a bachelor's degree. The actual average net cost at public colleges is about $15,000 per year, yet 47% of non-degree holders believe it is less than $10,000, and 31% think it is at least $20,000. - **Financial aid as a key retention factor**: Financial aid and scholarships are seen as very important by 56% of currently enrolled students, with higher importance among those who have considered stopping out, particularly women and Black and Hispanic students. - **Student loans delay life events**: 71% of student borrowers report delaying major life events such as buying a home, car, or starting a family due to debt. 35% of those who stopped out of college say loans prevent them from returning to complete their degree. - **Demographic differences**: Women are more likely to underestimate college costs and less likely to consider a four-year degree after learning the true cost. Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to miscalculate costs and show more interest in pursuing a degree once costs are understood. First-generation students borrow less and are less likely to delay life events. - **Public perception of access**: While 35% of adults without a college degree believe most or all Americans have access to affordable education, 32% believe only about half do, and 38% think not too many or none have access. This perception has fluctuated over the past few years, influenced by policy discussions and economic conditions. - **Implications for education leaders**: There is a need for greater transparency about the actual cost of college, emphasizing net costs rather than sticker prices. Policymakers and educators should also address the long-term effects of student debt on adult decision-making and consider strategies to re-engage those who have stopped out of college. ## Key Findings - **56%** of never-enrolled and previously enrolled adults say cost is a "very important" reason they are not pursuing a postsecondary degree. - **31%** of currently enrolled adults who have considered stopping out cite cost as a primary reason. - **23%** of U.S. adults without college degrees estimate the annual net cost of a bachelor's degree within $5,000 of the actual cost. - **35%** of U.S. adults without a college degree believe most or all Americans can access quality, affordable education. - **71%** of student borrowers report delaying at least one significant life event due to their debt. - **35%** of those who stopped out of college say loans prevent them from returning to finish their degree. ## Conclusion The document emphasizes that while the value of a college education is widely recognized, the high cost and lack of understanding about it are major obstacles to enrollment and persistence. Clear communication about the actual cost of education, along with increased financial aid availability, is essential to support students and encourage more individuals to pursue postsecondary education.