Growing interest in higher education among unenrolled adults is overshadowed by barriers such as cost, mental health issues and lack of belonging, according to the 2024 State of Higher Education Report Gallup and the Lumina Foundation.

The study, released Wednesday, found that six in 10 unenrolled adults have recently considered pursuing a college degree, the highest level of interest recorded since the survey began. However, the cost of obtaining a degree remains the main barrier, cited by two-thirds of women and almost half of men. Mental health and emotional stress are also significant deterrents, particularly for young adults aged 18-25, with 55% citing these issues as reasons not to enroll.

“Today’s evolving landscape underscores Americans’ desire to continue their education, even in the face of significant barriers,” said Courtney Brown, Lumina vice president for impact and planning. She urged institutions and policymakers to address mental health costs and supports to ensure equitable access to higher education.

The survey also highlights disparities in student experiences. Women and students of color reported lower levels of belonging and support at universities. While 77% of male students and 76% of white students reported feeling a sense of belonging at their institution, the numbers were significantly lower for female students (67%) and black students (69%).

Mental health issues not only hinder enrollment but also contribute to dropouts. One in five current students said they considered dropping out of their program due to emotional stress, with women nearly twice as likely as men to cite this reason (28% vs. 15%).

“With so many institutions facing enrollment challenges, they cannot allow students to stop studying due to emotional stress or poor mental health,” said Stephanie Marken, Gallup senior associate. She called on higher education leaders to prioritize mental health resources and foster inclusive environments.

Despite these challenges, the survey suggests significant potential for enrollment growth. More than half of out-of-school adults expressed interest in returning to school in the next five years, motivated by better career prospects. However, this interest relies on systemic reforms that make higher education more affordable and more inclusive.

The results are based on a survey of more than 5,000 U.S. adults conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, with a margin of error of ±1.7 percentage points. For more details, visit the Lumina Foundation or Gallup websites.

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