Within the first month of 2022, college enrollment in the United States is noticeably lower than last year on average. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s publishing from Jan. 13, “Undergraduate enrollment alone fell by 3.1 percent or 465,300 students over last year … with the largest numerical drops at public four-year institutions (251,400 students or -3.8%) and the steepest percentage decline at private for-profit four-year colleges (-11.1% or 65,500 students).” While the University of Central Missouri has actually experienced the opposite of this enrollment trend, paying attention to nation enrollment may point to changes in society.

  This notable decline in college enrollment may be attributed to the effect of COVID-19, with many people feeling unsafe in the college environment. Vaccine and mask mandates, inability to afford tuition due to medical bills or loss of work and the simple fact that there are so many people at colleges who can spread the virus are all reasons that have no doubt caused many to drop out. 

  Aside from the impact of COVID-19, perhaps young people are simply realizing the amount of opportunities in life that don’t require college education. On-the-job training and vocational schools prepare a job seeker just as sufficiently as a college education for a number of career options. 

  The truth is that without blue collar workers, the world would not function. Society needs mechanics, plumbers, truck drivers, exterminators and construction workers. The stigma that blue collar workers that have jobs which do not require college education are less than white collar workers with a degree should not exist — since both jobs are equally important to run a successful society. 

  One shouldn’t have to force themself through a college education that they don’t want just because it’s what they think will provide better opportunities. For some situations, trade school or an apprenticeship would be much more fitting. As long as one is doing what fulfills them, it does not matter whether they have a degree or not.