DE QUEEN, Ark. — A new national survey shows that prospective college students are increasingly interested in associate degrees and online learning, highlighting the relevance of UA Cossatot’s programs as students consider their educational futures.
Released October 15, Hanover Research’s 2026 National Prospective Student Survey examines how students approach college decisions, including their preferred credentials, learning formats, financial concerns, and expectations. The findings are based on a July 2026 survey of 1,000 U.S. high school students ages 16–19.
Key findings include:
- Growing interest in associate degrees: Interest increased from 36% in 2025 to 45% in 2026.
- Greater preference for online courses: Preference for fully online courses increased from 14% to 35%.
- Changing interest in bachelor’s degrees: Interest declined from 79% in 2025 to 66% in 2026.
- Continued concerns about affordability: Thirty-six percent of respondents reported concerns about paying for their education.
- An early start to college research: Thirty-eight percent began researching colleges during or before their sophomore year of high school.
- Changing skill priorities: Twenty-five percent reported increased interest in developing human-centered skills in response to recent artificial intelligence developments.
These findings describe national preferences among surveyed high school students. They do not establish changes in UA Cossatot’s enrollment or measure demand within the college’s service area.
For UA Cossatot, the results reinforce the importance of communicating clear pathways to an associate degree, employment, and continued education. The college’s transfer programs allow students to begin coursework toward a bachelor’s degree, with academic advising helping ensure their courses align with the requirements of their intended transfer institution.
The increased preference for online learning is also relevant to UA Cossatot’s existing offerings. The college lists online options, including the Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, and Associate of Science in Business. These options provide flexibility for students balancing education with work, family, and other responsibilities.
Taken together, the findings suggest an opportunity for UA Cossatot to connect its recruitment messages more directly to students’ questions: What will I study? How will I pay for it? Can classes fit my schedule? Where can this degree take me? Clear information about program costs, financial assistance, delivery formats, and transfer or career pathways can help prospective students evaluate their options.
The early start to college research also underscores the value of maintaining relationships with area schools and introducing students to UA Cossatot before their senior year. Meanwhile, interest in human-centered skills provides a useful connection to educational experiences that develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving alongside technical knowledge.
For the college, the opportunity extends beyond promoting available programs. It includes making the student experience easier to navigate—from finding accurate information online to connecting with an advisor and receiving support throughout enrollment. Local student feedback and enrollment data can help UA Cossatot determine how closely these national trends reflect the needs of Southwest Arkansas.
Source: Hanover Research: Survey Reveals Shifting Priorities Among Prospective College Students in 2026