In today’s Martin Center article, Sherman Criner looks at a recent study on the reasons why the number of students completing college degrees is declining.

“One of the primary factors is the financial burden and debt-threat posed by the ever-increasing costs of higher education,” Criner writes. “With tuition fees, room and board, and associated expenses skyrocketing, students and their families face immense challenges affording a college degree. Consequently, many are forced to take on substantial debt or abandon their educational pursuits altogether.”

Another reason is the growing perception that college isn’t necessarily a good use of time. Many students conclude that there are better ways to prepare for a career.

Criner also observes that if colleges want to make themselves more attractive, they should restore the academic integrity of their humanities curricula, which lots of students now see as a big waste of time.