Spring 2026 Enrollment Trends: Undergraduate Growth Continues as Graduate Enrollment Levels Off

Spring 2026 Enrollment Trends: Undergraduate Growth Continues as Graduate Enrollment Levels Off

Spring 2026 postsecondary enrollment rose 1.0% to 18.6 million students, according to the Final Spring Enrollment Trends report. The increase was driven by a 1.3% increase in undergraduate enrollment at public institutions, especially community colleges and certificate programs. Graduate enrollment remained flat with a slight decline in master’s programs and a drop in international graduate students. Computer science enrollment continued to fall, while health professions and engineering posted strong gains, signaling a continued shift toward workforce-aligned fields and practical educational pathways.