TORONTO - s4story -- While more than eight out of ten high school students say they are committed to finishing college, half of them wonder if college is worth the investment. This is according to Serving the Virtual Consumer: Exceeding High School Student Expectations in 2022, a study developed by Modern Campus and based on research conducted in partnership with Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL).

It explores the expectations high school students across the United States face when preparing for college—and how these factors influence their decision to choose a college.

What's clear is that Gen Z students prioritize return on their investment when exploring college or university pathways. Two thirds of survey respondents said they expect to be ready for the job market upon graduation, and almost half expect to have a job offer as soon as they graduate.

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The report also explores how early high school students start thinking about college, and how far they're willing to travel for higher education. The study found that college and university websites are students' primary sources for research.

Additional Key Findings

• 61% of respondents say they started college planning before they start 10th grade.
• Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening is when students are most actively looking for information to plan their postsecondary journey.
• 63% of high school students are considering out-of-state institutions.
• High-ability students with GPAs over 3.6 are very likely to consider out-of-state institutions.
• 46% of high school students confirm that they have participated in virtual college tours.
• 66% reported having signed up for the virtual tour via the college website and 71% expressed satisfaction with the virtual tour.
• The top three important topics for high school students when looking for college or university are academics, cost and financial aid.

While academics and cost are the most important priorities regardless of age, 9th graders are particularly interested in community life, activities and athletics. Similarly, 10th graders are more interested in college rankings than any other age.

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To explore Serving the Virtual Consumer: Exceeding High School Student Expectations in 2022 in greater detail, visit: https://resources.moderncampus.com/serving-virtual-consumer.

Report Methodology/Respondent Profile

Between January to the end of February of 2022, high school students from all over the U.S. were invited to participate by PLEXUSS. 1,025 completed responses were received.

Almost half of the respondents were in 12th grade, more than three fourth were from public schools and one third were from southeast. 72% respondents were female and 65% first-generation students.