This is just a sneak peek at the thousands of consumer insights available to CivicScience clients. Discover more data.
With college early action decisions beginning on November 1st, the college application season is officially underway. This year, however, the landscape is more challenging than ever. From removing test-optional mandates at certain institutions to limited housing availability, delays in FAFSA opening dates, and potential sweeping changes to the Department of Education, the obstacles facing prospective students are mounting.
New CivicScience data reveals that close to 1-in-4 individuals applying to colleges or universities this year have found the application process to be ‘very’ challenging. This sentiment is consistent across income levels, with 25% of both those in households earning under $75K and those earning $75K+ reporting the same view. This finding highlights the growing complexity and uncertainty surrounding higher education in 2024.
Weigh in: What has the college application process been like for you and your child(ren)?
One significant challenge is the delay in the opening dates for FAFSA applications. Typically, the FAFSA application period begins in October, giving students plenty of time to apply for financial aid before early action or early decision deadlines. This year, FAFSA will open on December 1st, adding considerable stress for applicants.
Further data reveal that some U.S. adults have had to adjust their application strategies in response to financial uncertainty. Roughly 1-in-5 of those currently navigating the application process are applying to fewer schools or delaying their applications entirely. In addition, around one-quarter are opting for more affordable alternatives, such as in-state schools or community colleges. These trends appear consistent across various income levels, highlighting the growing financial concerns influencing higher education decisions.
Another major factor is President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office and his stated plans for the Department of Education. To understand how these policy announcements might impact college application plans, CivicScience asked U.S. adults for their perspectives.
The data show a noteworthy insight: many U.S. adults are more likely to apply to colleges or universities after hearing about President-elect Trump’s potential plans for the Department of Education. This increase in motivation is even stronger among those earning less than $75,000 per year – a group that heavily relies on federal Pell Grants. The urgency is clear: lower-income families are determined to secure educational opportunities before any major policy shifts potentially impact financial aid.
Cast Your Vote: To what extent do you support or oppose President-elect Trump’s plan to dismantle the US Department of Education?
The college application process in 2024 is proving to be more daunting than ever, with financial uncertainty and potential policy changes adding to the pressure. Looking ahead, applicants will likely continue adapting their strategies in response to these challenges, while the evolving political landscape may prompt an uptick in urgency, especially among low-income families who are increasingly focused on securing financial aid before any potential policy shifts take effect.
