College Enrollment--Springing or Sprung?

All the controversy around college these days might give the impression that enrollment is dropping, but the data tell a different story. But first the news…

NEWS

Who’s selective now? After Decision Day comes furious financial bidding wars to persuade students to reconsider their choices. Welcome to the modern admissions landscape, where last-minute incentives are becoming a new norm.

What to get a grad: Wirecutter’s experts have proven gift ideas for both high school and college grads. You can’t go wrong with cash, though a job might be even better.

Think of the Steelers fans: Penn State University is closing seven of its Commonwealth Campuses, including three in the Pittsburgh region, after the spring 2026-27 academic year. So long, Shenango. We hardly knew you.

Show me your budget… At a recent Senate hearing, college presidents representing a diverse array of schools warned against Pell Grant cuts, broadly agreeing that at least some of the House’s proposed reconciliation cuts would reduce access to higher education.

BIG IDEA
College Enrollment Was Up This Spring

The first semester of 2025 has brought a refreshing twist to the higher education narrative. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center Current Term Enrollment Estimates, total postsecondary enrollment has risen by 3.2%, adding 562,000 students compared to the previous spring.

Undergraduate enrollment led the charge, growing by 3.5% to a whopping 15.3 million students. Graduate enrollment increased by a more modest 1.5%. Among undergraduate institutions, community colleges–where enrollment unexpectedly slumped during the pandemic–saw the greatest increase, with a 5.4% uptick and 288,000 new students. Vocational public two-year institutions also saw substantial growth for the third year in a row, with an 11.7% increase, marking a 19.4% rise since spring 2020.

Demographically, the enrollment surge was notably strong among Black and multiracial undergraduate students, who experienced increases of 10.3% and 8.5%, respectively. Older students in the 21-24 and 25-29 cohorts also returned to classrooms in greater numbers, with growth rates of 3.2% and 5.9%.

Credential-wise, associate degree programs saw a 6.3% increase, and undergraduate certificate programs grew by 4.8%, now standing 20% above their 2020 levels. While bachelor's programs grew by 2.1%, they remain below pre-pandemic levels. 

What do the numbers tell us? Higher education remains a priority for Americans. That said, the greater increase in two-year and certificate programs suggests a growing preference for shorter, more flexible educational pathways that align with evolving workforce demands.

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NAME THAT SCHOOL

Are you burdened with unparalleled college knowledge? Name this week’s institution of higher education. (Find the answer at the very end.)

1. Founded in 1884 when a minister started tutoring working-class students at night.

2. Consists of 17 schools and colleges, most notably in law and business.

3. An R1 research university known for cutting-edge work in everything from neuroscience and nanotech to urban education and public health.

4. Known for its iconic Bell Tower as well as a subway stop right on campus.

5. Started as a private university but eventually became “state-related,” whatever that means!

APPLICATION ACTION STEPS

🎓 Find out what you need to know about the SAT & ACT this summer.

🎓 Master 7 study tips to reduce test anxiety.

🎓 Learn from aggregated advice for the Class of 2025.

🎓 Explore current median salaries for popular college majors.

HOTLINE

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ANSWER

Temple University recently earned the highest rating for student success in new Carnegie Classifications. Go Owls!