Back to School, Backed by Data
The National Student Clearinghouse is proud to provide secondary school leaders with data and services that can help them prepare students for success beyond high school.
Computer Science Enrollment Is Cooling
Computer science enrollment is declining across major institutional sectors despite continued growth in overall undergraduate enrollment, according to National Student Clearinghouse data. The trend began in fall 2025 and continued into spring 2026, with nearly every major computer science specialization seeing decreases. Persistence rates also lag among top majors, suggesting shifting student demand and program choices.
Undergraduate Enrollment in Health Professions Continues Multi-Year Growth in Spring 2026
Health Professions’ enrollment grew for the third consecutive year in spring 2026, topping two million undergraduate students nationwide, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Final Spring Enrollment Trends. Gains were seen across four-year, two-year, and PAB institutions, with nursing remaining the largest area of study.
New Persistence and Retention Report Reveals Decade-High Rates Among Black, Hispanic, and Part-Time Students
The new Persistence and Retention Report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows that nearly 86% of students who started college in fall 2024 returned for their second semester, with over 77% returning in fall 2025. The report revealed decade-high persistence and retention rates among Black, Hispanic, Native American, and part-time students.
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.
Data Dive: Degree Earners Are Building on Prior Credentials
More students are pursuing flexible, nonlinear paths through higher education by building on earlier credentials, returning to school, and changing fields of study, according to the latest Undergraduate Degree Earners report. Associate degrees remain the most common stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, while certificate holders often continue on to associate programs. The findings also show that major changes are common, especially in STEM, as learners adapt their education to evolving career goals and opportunities.