The U.S. birth rate has steadily dropped since its 2007 peak, leading to a shrinking pool of future college students and workforce entrants. Colleges, employers, and communities face mounting pressures: from mass university closures and local economic fallout to looming labor deficits and fewer contributors to Social Security—especially in sectors like healthcare and agriculture. While pro‑natal policies provide limited relief, adaptation efforts—like boosting student retention and training non‑traditional learners—offer a path forward.
