Students Shift Toward Two-Year 'Un-College' Programs

Students are increasingly choosing two-year degrees and short-term 'un-college' credentials as rising college costs and a new 2026 federal loan lifetime cap drive behavior. Reports show community college enrollment rose 3% while private four-year enrollment fell 1.6%, and the law sets a $257,500 lifetime borrowing limit plus Workforce Pell Grants starting mid-2026 (up to $7,395), shifting incentives toward job-focused programs.