New research shows today’s prospective students compare and revisit institutions throughout the enrollment cycle, prioritizing cost, convenience, and career alignment. EducationDynamics’ report describes students ‘orbiting’ multiple options and using AI and online review data to change decisions even after applying or enrolling. At the same time, the Workforce Pell expansion will let low‑income learners use federal aid for short, job‑training programs starting July 1 — a policy change that could shift enrollment patterns. But institutions face implementation hurdles: Workforce Pell requires program retrofits, data systems, and quality controls that many colleges, especially community colleges, lack. Enrollment leaders must adapt outreach strategies, strengthen career pathways, and build flexible program models to capture learners who now seek rapid, employment‑focused credentials.