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Every year, millions of students start investing time and money into their personal and professional goals, whether they go to college, start working, or attend a technical school. However, high school graduates – specifically, Gen Z adults 18-24 – are feeling the lasting effects of the pandemic and, more recently, the resumption of student loan payments on their future plans. These factors have many students re-evaluating their college intent, such as pursuing an online degree or going to a technical school. 

As many Gen Z adults start or return to college next month, here’s a snapshot of college intent today, given the complexities these consumers face.