College Enrollment Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, Driven by Vocational and Certificate Programs

The National Student Clearinghouse reports a 4.5% rise in total enrollment, with community colleges and high-value majors leading growth.

Total college enrollment increased by 4.5% last fall, reaching 18.2 million students, slightly exceeding 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic.
Freshman enrollment rose by 5.5%, with community colleges experiencing the largest gains at 7.1%, particularly among students over 21 years old.
Vocational-focused community colleges saw a 14% increase in enrollment, reflecting a growing demand for career-oriented education.
Enrollment in high-value majors like nursing, engineering, and computer science grew, while interest in lower-paying fields such as liberal arts declined.
Graduate school enrollment continues to rise, but concerns remain over the financial risks associated with master's degree programs and their uncertain returns.