5 Key Takeaways from the 2025 Fall Senior Enrollment Survey
What did high school seniors say about why they made their college choices? Their answers may surprise you.
For the tenth consecutive year, we’ve gone directly to the source to understand the college search experience. We surveyed 2,456 college-bound seniors, who shared their perspectives on financial aid, majors, career prep. Their responses revealed how these and other factors ultimately influenced their college choices.
Among the survey’s revelations were these key takeaways:
- Peer-to-peer trust is high: Relational input still figures in decision-making, with most students reporting that they were influenced by family (75%), current students (57%), and friends (52%).
- Economic worries top (almost) all: While affordability is a top concern, in-person visits play a large role in the decision-making process, with 70% of students enrolling at the college with the best visit.
- Analog resources still have a place: While students like hearing from schools via email, 55% still appreciate letters, and 37% love swag.
- “Unsure” students are an overlooked group: 1 in 4 students is unsure about their family’s income and would benefit from clear financial guidance and simplified processes.
- Gen Z students are pragmatic: They’re looking for college to provide career prep (97%), their preferred major, and a clear return on their tuition investment.
Get your copy to read the survey results.