Declining College-Going Rates in Indiana Spark Concerns
Indiana’s college-going rate for high school graduates has reached its lowest level in recent history, with fewer than 52% of the Class of 2023 enrolling in college within a year of graduation. This marks a continued decline from previous years, where the rate remained steady at around 53% between 2020 and 2022. A decade ago, the rate was as high as 65%, highlighting a significant shift in educational trends.
According to data released by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), approximately 39,000 students from the Class of 2023 enrolled in college within a year of finishing high school. The numbers show that about 36% of these students chose to attend one of Indiana’s public four-year institutions, while 8% opted for private colleges or universities. An additional 7.6% enrolled in schools outside of the state.
The data, posted on the agency’s website earlier this month, has raised concerns among state leaders who have long worried about the declining college-going culture in Indiana. As the state increasingly emphasizes career credentials and work-based learning, questions are being asked about the impact on traditional college pathways.
Political Criticism and Institutional Changes
Rep. Ed DeLaney, a Democratic representative from Indianapolis, criticized the drop in college enrollment rates, attributing it to a lack of financial support and morale. He pointed to the governor’s decision to freeze tuition at state universities but noted that this move has not been accompanied by guarantees for increased financial aid or scholarships. DeLaney argued that without such support, more students may be forced to pursue alternative paths rather than attending college.
The 2023 data comes shortly after the higher education commission approved major changes to Indiana’s high school diploma, set to take effect in 2029. These changes emphasize work-based learning and career readiness over traditional college preparation. Students will now need to earn at least one “diploma seal” to graduate, which includes options for employment or postsecondary readiness. While some seals are designed for college-bound students, the new requirements no longer mandate all the coursework typically expected for college admission.
DeLaney accused Republican leaders of devaluing the opportunities provided by colleges and universities. He claimed that the supermajority has focused on attacking higher education institutions, including limiting course offerings and creating a new high school diploma that prioritizes workforce entry over academic preparation.
Data Highlights and Demographic Trends
The data also reveals important demographic trends. For instance, the college-going rate for male students dropped to 45%, compared to 59% for female students, widening an existing gender gap. Among racial groups, Asian and white students had the highest rates, at 70.7% and 54%, respectively. Black and Hispanic students had lower rates, at 45.5% and 41.7%. Students from low-income backgrounds, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced lunch, had a college-going rate of 38.7%, significantly lower than the 60% rate for their higher-income peers.
A quarter of postsecondary enrollees were pursuing STEM-related degrees, followed by business and communications programs (17.8%), health programs (16%), social and behavioral sciences and human services (11%), arts and humanities (9.9%), trades (7.4%), and education (5.8%). About 7% of students were undecided about their field of study.
More than 78% of college-bound graduates from the 2023 cohort were part of Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program, which provides full tuition and fees for low-income students who enroll in the 8th grade.
Continued Focus on Early Success Metrics
The data also included updates on the Class of 2022. According to the CHE dashboard, 53% of that cohort met all three early college success benchmarks: they did not need remediation, completed all courses they attempted during their first year, and persisted to their second year. Additionally, 77.5% of the 2022 cohort that enrolled in a postsecondary program persisted to the second year.
These figures highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring that students are adequately prepared for college and able to succeed once they enroll. As Indiana continues to shift its focus toward career-oriented education, the implications for college access and completion remain a pressing issue.