Higher education leaders say the percentage of Kansas high school graduates attending state universities is falling.
The Kansas Board of Regents says 55% of high school graduates enrolled at a state higher education facility in 2010, but that fell to 50.3% in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports that board officials say economic growth means more jobs are available for people with high school diplomas but no degree, and that rising tuition costs can be a deterrent for students considering higher education. They say shifting demographics in the state may be a factor.
Regents suggest that the schools should try to enroll more out-of-state students so their higher tuition rates can offset a decrease in tuition for Kansas students.
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