New survey data highlights how cost-of-living pressures are reshaping postsecondary decisions while AI uncertainty grows as a student planning factor. EAB research found 67% of surveyed high school graduates who opted not to enroll in college cited cost-of-living expenses as their primary motivator—up sharply from 51% the year before. Among students who did enroll, the report points to emphasis on career outcomes and internships, alongside concern about how AI will affect the workforce. It found 42% expect AI to influence the career they pursue and about 10% already report changing fields of study because of AI. For admissions and student success leaders, the dual message is that net price and perceived value remain dominant enrollment drivers—while AI-related labor-market uncertainty is increasingly shaping program selection and expectations. Institutions may need to align career advising and AI literacy support with financial aid packaging and affordability messaging to stabilize enrollment demand and improve persistence.