That source is from 2009. In 2009, there absolutely were more students interested in 4-year schools. In 2009 people were unemployed in nearly record numbers, an

That source is from 2009. In 2009, there absolutely were more students interested in 4-year schools. In 2009 people were unemployed in nearly record numbers, and institutions of higher education were bursting at the seams. This is now 2019. Working on the cutting edge of higher education AND career/tech programs, the data isn't updated yet just because of the lag for completion rates, but students are HEAVILY moving toward skilled trades. At my institution we have seen a 14% decrease in 'traditional' programs (think transfer to bachelors programs) and a 9% increase in skilled trades programs. And a fun fact that those two numbers aren't the same. Fewer skilled trades require formal schooling than 'traditional' fields. Many students are not enrolling at all and are just finishing apprenticeships. We're in a traditionally strong institution, and our enrollment is flat to 1% up at best. Many institutions in our local system are down in enrollment in the double digits in the last 3-5 years.