2022 Niche Senior Enrollment Survey: The New Normal
Survey
Sep. 2022
Sample Size:
21,866
Demographics:
High school students
Topics:
Admissions And Enrollment
Top Findings:
- Data from both Google Search and Niche is clear- the seasonal patterns of student search and recruitment are changing. While prior classes showed a significant peak in search activity and traffic during the summer and fall of their senior year, that timeline is now starting earlier and lasting longer. Niche data shows a significant dragging out of search activity into the spring of their senior year—notably with traditionally undersupported groups starting their search even as late as January.
- The vast majority of survey respondents, 81%, turned away from colleges they wanted to learn more about because of high sticker costs—they never waited to see how much financial aid they would receive.
- High-school students are becoming less likely to engage directly with institutions and instead are doing more of their search independently online. This may be because they want engaging and relevant communication that speaks to their interests, but just 44% of respondents said that they had received personalized and relevant outreach from colleges.