Over the past 10 years, the United States has seen an alarming exodus of low-income students and students of color. With one of the highest student loan debts globally and tuition rate higher than that that of previous years, families are feeling the impact of paying for school. Although obvious reasons, we would like to know what other factors may impact such a large exit of students from the post-secondary educational system. Are students transition to trade schools, starting careers that do not require degrees or just do not see the value in the piece of paper known as a degree? We are looking for the root causes to an exit of students that could possibly impact the educational landscape.

Students will need to complete the following to achieve project success:

1. Research and evaluate data around collegiate enrollment, students who graduated from high school and chose not to go to college, trade school enrollment numbers and other data associated with the project. (Some information can be obtain via the the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Household Debt and Credit Report as well as the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid.)
2. Review and analyze trends that may impact students pursing a post-secondary degree. There have been many young leaders pursuing entrepreneurship over traditional education. Is this a cause?
3. Communicate weekly findings with Lite Tuition staff and possible scenarios to explore and/or consider.
4. Research the adverse impact that will be put upon families and students with a bankruptcy outcome of half of the United States colleges.

To ensure students have the necessary support, Lite Tuition will provide the following:

1. Dedicated email for students to reach Lite Tuition staff with a prompt follow-up and response time.
2. Data, direction and resources, including contacts, to obtain needed information for project completion.
3. Weekly meetings, via Zoom or phone call, to review and discuss findings to ensure that optimal project success is met.
4. Lite Tuition will be able to provide internal data relevant to the success of the project.