New data shows 5% drop in freshman enrollment in the US universities: Is the cost of college pushing students away, or are other factors at play?

A recent National Student Clearinghouse report shows a 5% decline in U.S. freshman enrollment, linked to rising education costs, student debt, and new admission policies. Public and nonprofit colleges with high Pell Grant recipients saw over a 10% drop. Meanwhile, short-term credential programs and studying abroad are growing in popularity. Europe has become the top study-abroad destination for U.S. students.