The U.S. is facing a significant demographic shift that's creating ripples across higher education. With plummeting birthrates, colleges are bracing for what experts call a "demographic cliff"—a period when the population of late teens and early 20-somethings could shrink dramatically. The result? Many campuses might find themselves struggling with empty classrooms and dormitories. This kind of structural economic change doesn't just affect universities; it has broader implications for labor markets, consumer spending, and long-term asset valuation. Understanding these demographic headwinds is crucial for anyone thinking about economic cycles and resource allocation.