A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates

The long-predicted downturn in the number of 18-year-olds is almost here. And it isn't just a problem for higher education. It's a looming crisis for the economy.

A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates
Colleges and universities collectively experienced a 15% decline in enrollment between 2010 and 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The long-predicted downturn in the number of 18-year-olds is almost here. And it isn't just a problem for higher education. It's a looming crisis for the economy.

(Image credit: Photo illustration by Camilla Forte)