College Enrollment & Student Demographic Statistics

Report Highlights. College enrollment totaled 19.28 million undergraduate students nationwide in Fall 2024, down 8.43% from peak enrollment in 2010 (21.0 million).

Line graph: Historical College Enrollment, Selected Years in millions from 1976 to 2024 according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Education

A further 377,164 students attend postsecondary institutions that do not, at the time of publication, grant degrees. Students at these institutions are excluded from this report unless noted otherwise. When including these students, the nationwide total number of postsecondary students enrolled in Fall 2024 climbs to 19.625 million.

Related research reports include Student Loan Debt Statistics | College Graduation Statistics | College Dropout Rates | Average Cost of College | Student Loan Refinancing

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College Enrollment Statistics

College enrollment statistics indicate that more Americans are forgoing higher education; some may be putting off college attendance to build savings.

College Enrollment (Undergraduate & Graduate Students) from 1947 to 2025, Selected Years Year Total %Public Institution 2025* 19,567,692 73.2% 2024* 19,247,640 73.2% 2023* 18,939,568 73.2% 2022 18,580,026 72.6% 2021 18,658,756 72.6% 2020 19,027,410 73.0% 2015 19,988,204 72.9% 2010 21,019,438 72.0% 2005 17,487,475 74.5% 2000 15,312,289 76.8% 1995 14,261,781 77.8% 1990 13,818,637 78.5% 1985 12,247,055 77.4% 1980 12,096,895 78.2% 1975 11,184,859 79.0% 1970 8,580,887 74.9% 1965 5,920,864 67.0% 1961 4,145,065 61.8% 1955 2,653,034 55.6% 1950 2,281,298 50.0% 1947 2,338,226 49.3%

*Estimate/projection

College Enrollment by Degree

College enrollment statistics indicate that, whether they earn their degree or drop out, most undergraduate students make only one attempt to complete their college education.

Fall Post-secondary Enrollment (Undergraduate & Graduate) from 1970 to 2025, Selected Years Year %Full-Time %Undergraduate 2025* 60.8% 83.8% 2024* 60.8% 83.9% 2023* 60.8% 83.9% 2022 60.7% 82.9% 2021 60.7% 82.8% 2020 61.0% 83.5% 2015 61.5% 85.3% 2010 62.3% 86.0% 2005 61.7% 85.6% 2000 58.8% 85.9% 1995 57.0% 85.8% 1990 56.6% 86.5% 1985 57.8% 86.5% 1980 58.7% 86.6% 1975 61.2% 86.5% 1970 67.8% 85.9%

College Enrollment by Institution Type

A majority of postsecondary students enroll full-time in degree-granting 4-year public institutions.

College Enrollment by Sex

Limited data makes no significant representation of genders beyond the standard binary. Updates to data collection policies may make these statistics available in the future.

Fall Post-secondary Enrollment (Undergraduate & Graduate) from 1976 to 2022, Selected Years Year % Female Enrollment % Female Racial or Ethnic Minority Enrollment 2022 57.94% 27.19% 2021 58.37% 26.91% 2020 58.56% 26.80% 2019 57.39% 25.89% 2018 57.03% 25.21% 2017 56.66% 24.64% 2016 56.47% 24.11% 2015 56.36% 23.71% 2014 56.47% 23.45% 2010 56.96% 21.55% 2000 56.10% 16.53% 1990 54.28% 11.06% 1980 51.44% 8.80% 1976 47.23% 7.85%

College Enrollment by Race or Ethnicity

Demographic statistics are imperfect because many people do not fit easily into just one category. Not all races are represented and some historical data use obsolete definitions and terminology. The language of this report conforms to the language used in available data sets.

American Indian or Alaska Native Enrollment

Postsecondary attendance among American Indian or Alaska Native students was in decline between 2012 and 2021.

Asian or Asian American Enrollment

Postsecondary attendance among Asian or Asian American students has steadily grown since 2010; attendance rates prior to 2010 combine Asian and Pacific Islander student populations.

Black or African-American Enrollment

Postsecondary attendance among Black or African American students was on the rise until 2010; since then, it has been in decline.

Hispanic or Latino Enrollment

Postsecondary attendance among Hispanic or Latino students has skyrocketed in the last 50 years and continues to grow annually.

Pacific Islander Enrollment

As with the Asian or Asian American category, attendance rates prior to 2010 combined Asian and Pacific Islander student populations.

Multiracial Enrollment

Students who identify as two or more races are categorized as multiracial. Data prior to 2010 is unavailable.

Fall Post-secondary Enrollment (Undergraduate & Graduate) from 1976 to 2022, Selected Years Year % Racial or Ethnic Minority Enrollment % Black or African American Enrollment 2022 45.23% 12.50% 2021 44.35% 12.48% 2020 43.94% 12.54% 2019 43.41% 12.57% 2018 42.52% 12.70% 2017 41.77% 12.89% 2016 40.97% 13.05% 2015 40.36% 13.41% 2014 39.84% 13.82% 2010 36.11% 14.46% 2000 28.22% 11.30% 1990 19.57% 9.02% 1980 16.11% 9.15% 1976 15.35% 9.38%

U.S. Nonresident Enrollment

The phrase US nonresident is defined as “A person who is not a citizen or national of the United States and who is in the United States on a visa or temporary basis and does not have the right to remain indefinitely”.

Bar graph: Estimated 2024 College Enrollment by Age according to the U.S. Department of Education

College Enrollment by Age

Most college students first enroll in their late teens as full-time students. Part-time students are more likely to be older.

College-Bound High School Graduates

The percentage of high school graduates (referred to sometimes as completers) who enroll in either 2-year or 4-year institutions following graduation is referred to as the “immediate college enrollment rate”.

Line graph: Full-Time Fall Semester College Enrollment in millions for selected years from 2000 to 2024 according to the U.S. Department of Education

State College Enrollment Statistics

College enrollment statistics indicate that many students are willing to travel out of their home state for their college education.

College Enrollment Trends Among States State College Enrollment % Change, 2010 to 2020 Alabama 294,009 -10.30% Alaska 20,152 -42.10% Arizona 624,719 -21.30% Arkansas 154,781 -12.00% California 2,486,788 -8.40% Colorado 346,716 -6.20% Connecticut 187,764 -5.80% Delaware 57,022 3.20% District of Columbia 99,329 8.00% Florida 999,223 -11.20% Georgia 541,594 -4.80% Hawaii 58,841 -24.60% Idaho 125,249 47.00% Illinois 677,446 -25.30% Indiana 436,234 -5.10% Iowa 202,287 -47.00% Kansas 185,985 -13.40% Kentucky 261,751 -10.10% Louisiana 238,689 -9.50% Maine 71,475 -1.30% Maryland 329,092 -12.90% Massachusetts 468,960 -7.60% Michigan 466,458 -33.10% Minnesota 373,128 -19.80% Mississippi 155,950 -13.40% Missouri 333,470 -25.00% Montana 47,134 -11.50% Nebraska 134,815 -6.80% Nevada 113,588 -12.20% New Hampshire 214,537 184.00% New Jersey 378,819 -14.70% New Mexico 110,082 -32.30% New York 1,117,623 -14.40% North Carolina 553,180 -5.60% North Dakota 51,074 -10.20% Ohio 612,352 -17.80% Oklahoma 184,218 -20.10% Oregon 194,987 -22.50% Pennsylvania 633,991 -21.20% Rhode Island 74,413 -12.60% South Carolina 242,672 -5.60% South Dakota 51,317 -12.10% Tennessee 308,710 -12.20% Texas 1,567,017 2.00% Utah 401,218 56.90% Vermont 39,888 -12.50% Virginia 546,280 -5.50% Washington 311,068 -19.90% West Virginia 132,923 -12.80% Wisconsin 316,129 -17.70% Wyoming 29,971 -21.70%

College Enrollment in Alabama

Among students enrolled full-time in Alabama postsecondary institutions, 68.3% are state residents and 31.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Alaska

Among students enrolled full-time in Alaska postsecondary institutions, 86.7% are state residents and 13.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Arizona

Among students enrolled full-time in Arizona postsecondary institutions, 60.3% are state residents and 39.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Arkansas

Among students enrolled full-time in Arkansas postsecondary institutions, 68.3% are state residents and 31.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in California

Among students enrolled full-time in California postsecondary institutions, 88.8% are state residents and 112% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Colorado

Among students enrolled full-time in Colorado postsecondary institutions, 66.3% are state residents and 33.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Connecticut

Among students enrolled full-time in Connecticut postsecondary institutions, 61.4% are state residents and 38.6% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Delaware

Among students enrolled full-time in Delaware postsecondary institutions, 50.5% are state residents and 49.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in the District of Columbia

Among students enrolled full-time in D.C. postsecondary institutions, 6.9% are D.C. residents and 93.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Florida

Among students enrolled full-time in Florida postsecondary institutions, 79.4% are state residents and 20.6% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Georgia

Among students enrolled full-time in Georgia postsecondary institutions, 79.9% are state residents and 20.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Hawaii

Among students enrolled full-time in Hawaii postsecondary institutions, 66.7% are state residents and 33.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Idaho

Among students enrolled full-time in Idaho postsecondary institutions, 60.3% are state residents and 39.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Illinois

Among students enrolled full-time in Illinois postsecondary institutions, 79.9% are state residents and 20.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Indiana

Among students enrolled full-time in Indiana postsecondary institutions, 67.2% are state residents and 32.8% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Iowa

Among students enrolled full-time in Iowa postsecondary institutions, 64.3% are state residents and 35.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Kansas

Among students enrolled full-time in Kansas postsecondary institutions, 69.4% are state residents and 30.6% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Kentucky

Among students enrolled full-time in Kentucky postsecondary institutions, 77% are state residents and 23% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Louisiana

Among students enrolled full-time in Louisiana postsecondary institutions, 79.1% are state residents and 20.9% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Maine

Among students enrolled full-time in Maine postsecondary institutions, 61.7% are state residents and 38.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Maryland

Among students enrolled full-time in Maryland postsecondary institutions, 77.3% are state residents and 22.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Massachusetts

Among students enrolled full-time in Massachusetts postsecondary institutions, 55.7% are state residents and 44.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Michigan

Among students enrolled full-time in Michigan postsecondary institutions, 83.5% are state residents and 16.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Minnesota

Among students enrolled full-time in Minnesota postsecondary institutions, 77.9% are state residents and 22.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Mississippi

Among students enrolled full-time in Mississippi postsecondary institutions, 72.5% are state residents and 27.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Missouri

Among students enrolled full-time in Missouri postsecondary institutions, 75% are state residents and 25% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Montana

Among students enrolled full-time in Montana postsecondary institutions, 54.6% are state residents and 45.4% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Nebraska

Among students enrolled full-time in Nebraska postsecondary institutions, 74% are state residents and 26% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Nevada

Among students enrolled full-time in Nevada postsecondary institutions, 89.5% are state residents and 10.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in New Hampshire

Among students enrolled full-time in New Hampshire postsecondary institutions, 21.4% are state residents and 78.6% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in New Jersey

Among students enrolled full-time in New Jersey postsecondary institutions, 88.7% are state residents and 11.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in New Mexico

Among students enrolled full-time in New Mexico postsecondary institutions, 82.7% are state residents and 17.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in New York

Among students enrolled full-time in New York postsecondary institutions, 73.9% are state residents and 26.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in North Carolina

Among students enrolled full-time in North Carolina postsecondary institutions, 78.6% are state residents and 21.4% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in North Dakota

Among students enrolled full-time in North Dakota postsecondary institutions, 49.5% are state residents and 50.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Ohio

Among students enrolled full-time in Ohio postsecondary institutions, 75.8% are state residents and 24.2% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Oklahoma

Among students enrolled full-time in Oklahoma postsecondary institutions, 76% are state residents and 24% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Oregon

Among students enrolled full-time in Oregon postsecondary institutions, 69.5% are state residents and 30.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Pennsylvania

Among students enrolled full-time in Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions, 67.1% are state residents and 32.9% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Puerto Rico

Among students enrolled full-time in Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions, 67.1% are state residents and 32.9% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Rhode Island

Among students enrolled full-time in Rhode Island postsecondary institutions, 39.7% are state residents and 60.3% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in South Carolina

Among students enrolled full-time in South Carolina postsecondary institutions, 70.9% are state residents and 29.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in South Dakota

Among students enrolled full-time in South Dakota postsecondary institutions, 58.3% are state residents and 41.7% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Tennessee

Among students enrolled full-time in Tennessee postsecondary institutions, 71% are state residents and 29% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Texas

Among students enrolled full-time in Texas postsecondary institutions, 91.9% are state residents and 8.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Utah

Among students enrolled full-time in Utah postsecondary institutions, 63.1% are state residents and 36.9% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Vermont

Among students enrolled full-time in Vermont postsecondary institutions, 25.5% are state residents and 74.5% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Virginia

Among students enrolled full-time in Virginia postsecondary institutions, 75.1% are state residents and 24.9% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Washington

Among students enrolled full-time in Washington postsecondary institutions, 83% are state residents and 17% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in West Virginia

Among students enrolled full-time in West Virginia postsecondary institutions, 56.2% are state residents and 43.8% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Wisconsin

Among students enrolled full-time in Wisconsin postsecondary institutions, 71.9% are state residents and 28.1% are nonresidents.

College Enrollment in Wyoming

Among students enrolled full-time in Wyoming postsecondary institutions, 63.8% are state residents and 36.2% are nonresidents.

International Student Population & Enrollment Statistics

International enrollment for 2021 declined significantly due to COVID-related travel restrictions.

Study Abroad Enrollment Statistics

Nearly 350,000 students studied abroad in the 2018-2019 academic year; students are most likely to study abroad over a summer, and women are more than twice as likely to study abroad compared to men.

Sources

  1. United States Census Bureau, Current Population Survey
  2. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Digest of Education Statistics
  3. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Current Term Enrollment Estimates
  4. NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

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