The percentage of high school graduates transitioning directly to college has declined from around 70% a decade ago to 62% today. Affordability is a major concern for those opting out, with many citing costs as the primary reason. 40% of enrolled students do not complete their degrees, often due to financial pressures. If higher education institutions want to address enrollment challenges, then they need to address the rising costs of higher education. Institutions need to do more to control expenses to lower the demand for tuition increases.