US College Enrollment Sees Third Consecutive Year of Growth
Undergraduate enrollment rises while graduate and computer science programs face slowdowns
US colleges and universities have recorded a third consecutive year of enrollment growth this autumn, according to preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Overall headcount increased by 2 percent, with undergraduate enrollment rising 2.4 percent.
All sectors saw growth in undergraduate enrollment, but community colleges and certificate programs experienced the largest increases. Community college enrollment rose by 4 percent, while certificate programs grew by 6.6 percent.
Dr. Matthew Holsapple, senior director of research at the National Student Clearinghouse, noted that these figures reflect evolving trends as institutions and students respond to new opportunities and challenges. “The signals are clear that students are looking for practical, affordable, and career-relevant education,” he said.
Graduate enrollment, by contrast, was largely unchanged, rising only 0.1 percent compared to 2024. Master’s programs, which account for nearly two-thirds of graduate enrollment, declined slightly by 0.6 percent. Enrollment in computer science programs saw a more pronounced drop, with graduate programs losing 15 percent of students and undergraduate programs falling nearly 6 percent.
Preliminary data did not include information on international students. Data from the International Trade Administration indicated that student visas fell 19 percent in August, reaching a four-year low. Many international students enroll in graduate and computer science programs, which may contribute to the declines observed.
Dr. Holsapple said the National Student Clearinghouse will release final enrollment numbers for autumn 2025 in January 2026, including details on international student enrollment. “It’s possible that when we have the final numbers we’ll see connections there,” he said.
News You Should See
P&G Raises Fiscal 2027 Cost Warning as Oil and Freight Expenses Threaten Profits
Chemical Tank Leak in Toledo Triggers Evacuations and Industrial Disruptions
Judge Sets December 11 Deadline for Trump Deposition in BBC Defamation Case
Iowa Senate Race Tests How Far Republicans Can Separate Themselves From Trump
California State Workers Strike Over Pay, Healthcare and Return-to-Office Rules
Streaming’s October Showdown: How Disney, Netflix and Major Entertainment Brands Compete for Audiences
Latest News
Procter & Gamble expects commodity, energy and transportation costs to reduce fiscal 2027 profit by $1.4 billion. Quarterly sales rose 4% to $23.28 billion, beating analyst expectations.
A ruptured chemical tank in Toledo, Ohio, prompted evacuations, school closures and an industrial shutdown. Authorities have reduced the restricted zone as the release slows and cleanup preparations continue.
A federal judge has ordered Donald Trump to give a deposition by December 11, 2026, in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, with possible sanctions for noncompliance as the discovery deadline approaches.
Iowa’s 2026 Senate race pits Republican Ashley Hinson, balancing Trump support with economic concerns, against Democrat Josh Turek, who emphasizes bipartisanship amid rising campaign spending.
Thousands of California state workers struck on October 21 over a proposed three-year pay increase, healthcare costs and a four-day office attendance requirement as contract negotiations continued.
October 2026 brings major entertainment releases across Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video and Peacock. Explore how familiar franchises, exclusive programming, new music and video games shape competition for streaming audiences.
Saudia advises travelers to book flights through Al Qassim Airport for Riyadh connections, offering free hourly shuttle buses in both directions until further notice.
An AP-NORC poll shows Democratic confidence in accurate vote counting falling to 55%, while Republican confidence rises to 38%, highlighting election integrity concerns ahead of the 2026 US midterms.
Donald Trump campaigns in North Carolina ahead of the November 2026 midterms as low approval ratings, rising fuel costs, Democratic early-voting gains and funding disparities challenge Republican efforts to retain control of Congress.