2024 HighSchool Students' Perceptions of College Financing

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

RNL研究关注高中生对大学融资的认知与决策逻辑，聚焦助学金流程、贷款与支付大学费用的预期、体验与挑战。报告指出，12年级学生在高中最后一年就会对心仪学院形成兴趣，且金融因素主导院校搜索；其中，贷款偿还援助计划（LRAP）被广泛视为关键影响因素。研究强调院校需要更主动、个性化的财务资助咨询与信息沟通，涵盖资格标准与关键截止日期，并通过透明度与价值感提升竞争力。

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Top 10 Findings

11th Grade: A Time for Discovery and Alignment

Narrowing college options

Ready to explore: What drives college search?

Shifting interests: 11th graders reassessing college options

Co-sponsored by: 2024 HighSchool Students' Perceptions of College Financing Understand the expectations, experiences, and challenges prospective college students have with the financial aid process and paying for college Introduction The rising cost of higher education has brought the value of a college degree under increasing scrutiny. As families and prospective students weigh the substantial financial burden, more are asking: Is the investment worth it? Our research reveals several key trends shaping the decision-making process of today’s college-bound students. A staggering 89 percent of 12th graders reported interest in colleges first identified during their final year of high school, highlighting the importance of timely recruitment strategies. Financial considerations dominate the search process, with 70 percent of students citing the potential for Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) as an influential factor in their decision. These findings underscore the critical need for proactive, personalized financial aid counseling. With 63 percent of 11th graders naming aid as the top factor in their search, colleges must communicate available options, eligibility criteria, and key deadlines. Despite the challenges posed by cost concerns and complex financing options, opportunities exist for institutions to differentiate themselves. This report details these trends, providing staff in admissions and financial aid with practical takeaways to navigate the evolving college recruitment and retention landscape. By understanding prospective students’ financial concerns and evolving priorities, institutions can develop targeted strategies to remain competitive in a market where affordability and value are paramount. Top 10 Findings 89% 68% 68% 66% 65% 65% 63% 57% 57% 46% of 12th graders apply to a college or university that they become interested in 12th grade. of students would consider enrolling at a college that offered them a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) . of 11th graders are interested in out-of-state institutions. of 12th graders become interested in new colleges they have not previously considered. of 12th graders will rule out institutions based on the sticker price. of students who are concerned about taking out loans to pay for their college education. of 11th graders list financial aid as the top factor in the reasons why they became interested in a college or university. of 11th graders choose cost as the reason to lose interest in colleges and universities. of 12th graders choose financial aid and scholarships as the number one reason not to finish college applications. of 12th graders will leave applications unfinished. © 2024 RNL | 2024 High School Students’ Perceptions of College Financing 2 11th Grade: A Time for Discovery and Alignment Narrowing college options As 11th graders begin their college planning, they consider multiple factors that will influence their final decision. Understanding the average number of colleges they are interested in, their perceptions of financial aid, and their anticipated difficulty financing college can help shape effective recruitment and aid strategies. Key Findings • On average, 11th graders are interested in four colleges. However, this number varies by student background. Continuing-generation students are interested in five colleges, compared to three for first-generation students. Asian students are considering the most options, with an average of 6 colleges. 4 Average number of institutions 11th graders are interested in | BY GENERATION STATUS | | | --- | --- | | Continuing generation | 5 | | First generation | 3 | | BY ETHNICITY | | | --- | --- | | Asian | 6 | | Black | 4 | | Hispanic | 4 | | White | 4 | Ready to explore: What drives college search? Understanding the factors that drive interest in colleges among 11th-grade students is crucial for effective recruitment and aid strate

FAQs

报告研究了哪些方面的大学融资认知与决策？

报告关注准大学生对助学金流程、支付大学费用的预期、体验与挑战，以及这些因素如何影响院校选择。

哪些财务相关因素在学生的院校搜索中最具影响？

金融因素主导搜索；例如，贷款偿还援助计划（LRAP）被列为重要考虑因素，并且助学金可得性常被视为首要因素。

11年级学生在院校兴趣方面会如何变化？

到11年级时，约有62%的学生会对部分此前关注的院校失去兴趣，反映出院校规划会随新因素与优先级不断调整。

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai