College enrollment has always been a subject of discussion, especially with evolving societal trends, economic factors, and a shift toward different types of credentials.
With the year 2026 fast approaching, it’s important to take a close look at the latest statistics and trends in college attendance.
This comprehensive review will examine how many people go to college in 2026, the latest enrollment statistics, the types of degrees being pursued, and the demographics of students attending college.
We will also explore the impact of online programs and alternative credentials, as well as state-level enrollment trends.
College Enrollment Statistics: Key Highlights
Understanding college enrollment requires an appreciation of how different factors contribute to these numbers. While enrollment figures can vary depending on the source, a few key trends emerge that give us a broad picture of the state of higher education in 2026:
- Total Enrollment in U.S. Colleges: As of the most recent data, approximately 18.4 million students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities by the spring of 2025. Projections suggest that this number will rise slightly over the next few years, reaching around 20.5 million by 2026. This increase reflects a continued recovery from the decline in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Undergraduate Students: Undergraduates account for a significant portion of college enrollment. Around 15.3 million students were enrolled as undergraduates in 2025, a number that is expected to grow modestly through 2026.
- Graduate Students: Graduate and professional enrollment is lower but steadily growing, with about 3 million students pursuing master’s, doctoral, or professional degrees.
- Enrollment by Institution Type: Public colleges and universities, particularly four-year institutions, remain the most popular choice for undergraduates. Community colleges, which serve a significant portion of adult learners and those pursuing associate degrees, represent a large part of the enrollment as well.
These trends suggest that college enrollment will remain steady, although some underlying factors could lead to future fluctuations.
The overall outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, but there are challenges on the horizon that could impact these numbers.
How Many People Go To College in the United States?
As of the most recent data, about 18.4 million students are enrolled in U.S. colleges. This figure encompasses all types of students—those attending four-year institutions, two-year colleges, and graduate schools. However, not all of these students are pursuing traditional four-year degrees. Let’s break this down further:
Undergraduate Enrollment
Undergraduate enrollment remains the largest segment of the college-going population in the United States. As of spring 2025, around 15.3 million students were enrolled in undergraduate programs. This includes students pursuing two-year associate degrees as well as four-year bachelor’s degrees.
Historically, the number of undergraduates has increased steadily over the decades. However, demographic shifts, such as declining birth rates in certain regions of the U.S., have led to predictions of a decline in the number of college-age students in the years following 2026.
Despite these challenges, more students than ever are attending college after high school, even if they aren’t necessarily enrolled in the most traditional programs.
Graduate and Professional Enrollment
Graduate enrollment has seen a steady rise in recent years. Over 3 million students are currently enrolled in graduate or professional degree programs, a number that’s expected to remain stable or grow gradually.
Graduate programs are increasingly seen as necessary for career advancement, particularly in fields like business, healthcare, engineering, and law.
The demand for advanced degrees is fueled by various factors, including the need for higher skills in the labor market and an increasing number of career fields that require specialized education.
For example, graduate programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare management are growing rapidly, reflecting the changing job market and increasing demand for specialized knowledge.
College Enrollment Statistics for 2026 (Latest Trends
| Year | Undergraduate Change | Graduate Change | Total Enrollment Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | -3.3% | 2.9% | Decline due to the pandemic |
| 2021 | -3.5% | 2.1% | Continued drop |
| 2022 | -0.9% | 0.2% | Near stabilization |
| 2023 | 0.6% | 1.2% | First signs of recovery |
| 2024 | 3.3% | 4.7% | Largest increase in years |
The trends for college enrollment in 2026 show mixed signals. While overall enrollment is expected to continue growing, there are factors that might slow this increase in the years to come:
The “Enrollment Cliff”
One significant challenge facing colleges and universities is the so-called “enrollment cliff”. This refers to the anticipated decline in the number of traditional college-age students.
Following a period of declining birth rates in the early 2000s, fewer students are graduating high school, which means fewer students will be entering college.
This trend will be most pronounced after 2026 and could lead to stiff competition among colleges and universities for a shrinking pool of students.
Institutions that fail to adapt to these demographic shifts may struggle with enrollment and retention in the coming years.
The Role of Adult Learners
While traditional college enrollment may face a decline, one area of growth is the increase in adult learners. More people are returning to school later in life to pursue college degrees or alternative credentials.
This trend is driven by several factors, including career changes, the need to upskill in the face of automation and technological disruption, and the desire for higher wages.
According to some reports, adult learners now make up nearly 40% of the student population at community colleges and have become a critical demographic for the higher education sector.
This trend is expected to continue into 2026 as more adults seek to enhance their qualifications.
College Enrollment by Degree
The type of degree pursued is a critical factor in understanding college enrollment statistics. The distribution of students across various degree levels reflects broader trends in the labor market, the increasing need for skilled workers, and the rise of alternative credentials.
Associate Degrees
Two-year programs leading to an associate degree are often the most affordable option for many students, especially those at community colleges.
In 2025, more than 6 million students were enrolled in associate degree programs, with health sciences, business, and information technology being among the most popular fields of study.
Community colleges have become an increasingly important entry point into higher education, particularly for students from lower-income families or those looking to complete a credential quickly.
Many students who earn associate degrees later transfer to four-year institutions to complete a bachelor’s degree, creating a pathway for further education and skill development.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees remain the most popular degree choice among undergraduates. In 2025, approximately 9.3 million students were pursuing bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions. Popular fields include business administration, healthcare, social sciences, and engineering.
The demand for bachelor’s degrees is driven by the increasing need for college graduates in many professions. A bachelor’s degree is often seen as the standard qualification for many high-paying, white-collar jobs.
As the job market becomes more competitive, more students are pursuing four-year degrees to increase their career prospects.
Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees represent a smaller but growing segment of the student population. As of 2025, approximately 3 million students were enrolled in graduate programs, with the largest concentrations in business, health professions, and engineering fields.
Graduate programs often provide students with specialized knowledge and skills that can lead to higher salaries and more advanced job opportunities.
This trend is particularly notable in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, where there is increasing demand for highly skilled professionals.
College Enrollment by Subject
The subjects that students choose to study are influenced by both personal interest and the job market. Here are the most popular fields of study:
Undergraduate Majors in Four-Year Institutions
| Major | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Business | 5.37% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 3.84% |
| Computer Science and Technology | 3.46% |
| Engineering | 3.33% |
Four-year institutions typically see large numbers of students pursuing degrees in fields such as:
- Business and Management: This field continues to be one of the most popular choices, offering a clear path to well-paying jobs in the corporate world.
- Health Professions: With the aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, fields like nursing, medical assisting, and health administration are seeing significant enrollment growth.
- Social Sciences and Humanities: Fields such as psychology, sociology, and political science remain popular for students seeking to make an impact on society or work in government and nonprofit organizations.
Undergraduate Majors in Two-Year Institutions
| Major | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 15.0% |
| Healthcare | 7.80% |
| Business | 5.15% |
| Computer and Information Technology | 2.38% |
Community colleges also offer popular programs, especially in vocational and technical fields. Some of the top areas of study include:
- Nursing and Healthcare: As with four-year schools, nursing programs at community colleges are heavily enrolled, given the increasing demand for healthcare workers.
- Information Technology and Computer Science: Many students attend community colleges to obtain certifications in IT or computer programming before moving into higher-paying tech jobs.
Graduate Majors in 2024
| Major | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | 11.8% |
| Business | 7.21% |
| Education | 6.76% |
| Computer and Information Technology | 3.49% |
Graduate programs attract students seeking to specialize in high-demand fields. Some of the most popular graduate programs in 2024 include:
- Business Administration (MBA): An MBA remains one of the most sought-after credentials for career advancement in business.
- Health Professions: Advanced degrees in public health, nursing, and healthcare administration continue to grow due to the healthcare industry’s expansion.
- Engineering and Technology: With the rapid evolution of technology, students pursuing graduate degrees in fields like electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science are in high demand.
College Enrollment by Institution Type
| School Type | Percentage of Students Enrolled |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year | 42% |
| Public Two-Year (Community Colleges) | 25.8% |
| Private Nonprofit Four-Year | 22% |
| Public PAB (Primarily Associate’s & Baccalaureate) | 5.4% |
| Private For-Profit Four-Year | 4.8% |
The type of institution a student attends can significantly influence their academic experience. Here’s how enrollment breaks down across different types of colleges and universities:
Public Four-Year Institutions
Public four-year institutions continue to be the most common choice for students, enrolling the majority of undergraduate students in the U.S. These schools offer a wide range of programs and are typically more affordable than private institutions.
Private Nonprofit Institutions
Private nonprofit institutions tend to enroll smaller numbers of students but often offer specialized programs in fields like liberal arts, humanities, and the social sciences. These schools often charge higher tuition rates, but they may provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.
Community Colleges
Community colleges serve a large portion of students, particularly those pursuing associate degrees or seeking affordable pathways to a four-year degree. Community colleges are also a crucial resource for adult learners seeking new skills or credentials.
College Enrollment Demographics
Understanding who is attending college is just as important as knowing how many students are enrolled. Key demographic factors like gender, age, race, and income all play a role in shaping enrollment trends.
College Enrollment by Gender
| Gender | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54% | 58% |
| Men | 40% | 36% |
| Gender Unknown/Unreported | 6% | 6% |
Female students have consistently outpaced male students in college enrollment. In 2025, women made up nearly 60% of all college students. This trend is expected to continue into 2026, as women are more likely to attend college and earn degrees than men.
College Enrollment by Age
| Age Group | Undergraduate Enrollment Number | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 17 or Younger | 1,628,211 | 10% |
| 18-20 | 6,608,534 | 40.6% |
| 21-24 | 3,757,532 | 23.1% |
| 25-29 | 1,377,493 | 8.5% |
| 30 or Older | 2,578,937 | 15.8% |
While most students in college are between the ages of 18 and 24, there has been a significant increase in adult learners returning to school.
Many students over the age of 25 are enrolling in graduate programs, community colleges, or online programs to pursue new careers or advance in their current fields.
| Age Group | Graduate Enrollment Number | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 24 or Younger | 896,550 | 28.1% |
| 25-29 | 927,900 | 29.1% |
| 30-39 | 765,112 | 24.0% |
| 40-49 | 392,682 | 12.3% |
| 50 or Older | 206,208 | 6.5% |
College Enrollment by Race or Ethnicity
| Race/ Ethnicity | Undergraduate Enrollment | Percentage of Undergraduates | Graduate Enrollment | Percentage of Graduate Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 6,326,439 | 40% | 1,303,653 | 41% |
| Hispanic | 3,012,158 | 19% | 312,126 | 10% |
| Black | 1,793,025 | 11% | 337,848 | 11% |
| Asian | 951,972 | 6% | 253,825 | 8% |
| Native American | 106,292 | 1% | 17,557 | 1% |
| Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | 41,472 | 0% | 5,487 | 0% |
| Multiracial | 717,846 | 4% | 123,406 | 4% |
| International | 163,250 | 1% | 161,972 | 5% |
| Unknown or unreported | 2,843,496 | 18% | 489,370 | 15% |
The racial and ethnic makeup of college students in the U.S. has become more diverse in recent years. Enrollment among Hispanic, Black, and Asian students has been rising, while White student enrollment has seen slight declines.
College Enrollment by Income
| Income Level | Percentage of Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Bottom Quintile | 12.3% |
| Lower Middle Quintile | 15.1% |
| Middle Quintile | 18.8% |
| Upper Middle Quintile | 23.8% |
| Top Quintile | 30.1% |
Income remains one of the most significant barriers to college enrollment. Students from higher-income families are more likely to attend college, while students from lower-income families face more challenges in terms of both enrollment and graduation rates. The rise in college costs, along with the burden of student loan debt, continues to impact enrollment trends.
Impact of Online Programs and Alternative Credentials
The growing popularity of online programs and alternative credentials like certifications, micro-degrees, and boot camps has introduced a new layer to college enrollment trends.
Many students are now opting for more flexible, affordable pathways that do not require a traditional four-year degree.
This is especially true for working adults and those seeking to enter fields like technology, where shorter, more specialized credentials can provide quicker access to high-paying jobs.
State College Enrollment Statistics
State-level trends vary widely based on factors like population growth, local economic conditions, and the availability of higher education options.
Some states, like Texas and California, are seeing robust enrollment growth, while others face challenges in maintaining student numbers due to demographic shifts.
Conclusion
The college enrollment landscape in 2026 is a mix of steady growth, changing demographics, and evolving educational choices.
While traditional enrollment numbers remain strong, shifting factors such as the rise of adult learners, the popularity of online programs, and the enrollment cliff challenge higher education institutions to adapt.
As we move into the future, the role of colleges and universities will continue to evolve, with institutions having to balance traditional degree programs with new, flexible credentials to meet the needs of today’s learners.
FAQs
How many people go to college in the U.S.?
Around 18.4 million students are enrolled in U.S. colleges as of 2025.
What is the projected enrollment in 2026?
Total college enrollment is expected to reach around 20.5 million by 2026.
How many undergraduates are enrolled in U.S. colleges?
About 15.3 million students are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees.
What are the most popular college degrees?
Business, health professions, and social sciences are among the most popular undergraduate degrees.
Are graduate enrollments increasing?
Yes, graduate enrollments are steadily growing, with over 3 million students currently pursuing advanced degrees.
What are the most popular majors in four-year colleges?
Business, healthcare, and engineering are the most popular fields of study in four-year institutions.