Higher Ed Enrollment Continues Its Comeback After Pandemic-Era Dip

Meanwhile, the Preliminary Fall Enrollment Trends Report Shows a Drop in Computer Science and a Rise in Business and Health Majors

Early data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center suggests a promising rebound in higher education enrollment across the United States this fall. According to the Clearinghouse Enrollment Insights: Preliminary Fall Enrollment Trends Report, total enrollment at colleges and universities are growing 2% compared to the previous fall, with undergraduate enrollment increasing 2.4%.

This rise marks another step toward recovery after several years of pandemic-era declines and uncertainty in the higher education landscape. However, these numbers also paint a nuanced picture of distinct trends emerging across institution types, degree levels, demographic groups, and fields of study.

Enrollment Trends by Institution Type

One of the most notable findings from the preliminary data in the report is the strong resurgence at community colleges, which are seeing enrollment climb 4.0%, more than double the growth seen at public four-year institutions (+1.9%) and substantially higher than at private nonprofit four-year colleges (+0.9%).

“With half of our institutions reporting so far, the number of undergrads in colleges and universities this fall is on track to grow for the third straight year,” said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “That’s good news all around, but especially for community colleges as students continue to gravitate towards vocational certificates and associate degrees, leaving less momentum for growth among bachelors’ seekers.”

This surge continues the positive momentum for two-year colleges, many of which were hit hardest during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that community colleges are once again becoming attractive options for students seeking affordable, flexible, and career-oriented education pathways.

While undergraduate numbers are showing healthy growth, graduate program enrollment is largely leveling off. Overall graduate enrollment is increasing by only 0.1%, signaling stability rather than expansion. A closer look reveals divergent trends within graduate education: master’s program enrollment, which represents nearly two-thirds of all graduate students, is falling by 0.6%, while doctoral programs saw a 1.1% increase.

Beyond traditional degree programs, undergraduate certificate programs are seeing the most dramatic increases this fall, with enrollment jumping 6.6%. This builds on substantial gains from the previous year and underscores the growing appeal of short-term credentials that often lead directly to employment opportunities.

Certificates in fields such as information technology, health care, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades have become increasingly popular among adult learners and career changers seeking targeted skill development without committing to a multi-year degree.

Enrollment Trends by Academic Disciplines

While overall enrollment is rising, the preliminary data show striking differences across academic disciplines. Perhaps the most surprising trend this fall is the sharp drop in Computer and Information Science enrollment. The field is seeing decreases ranging from -15% at the graduate level to -5.8% at two-year undergraduate programs. In contrast, business and health-related majors continue to grow robustly across all institution levels.

At two-year undergraduate institutions, trade-oriented fields like Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians are growing by 8.3% and 10.4%, respectively. These programs are closely aligned with workforce needs, preparing students for high-demand roles in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and automotive technology.

Meanwhile, health majors are also recording healthy increases, +10.1% for undergraduate two-year, +6.2% for undergraduate four-year, and +2.7% for graduate programs. With ongoing demand for healthcare workers and an aging population, interest in nursing, allied health, and medical support fields remains strong.

“Taken together, these preliminary numbers portray a higher education landscape in cautious recovery,” Hee Sun Kim, Senior Supervisor, Research Publications, National Student Clearinghouse, shared. “The growth in community colleges, strong interest in trade and health programs, and the continued rise of certificate pathways indicate that students are increasingly seeking affordable, practical, and career-relevant education options. At the same time, declines in computer science enrollment and stagnation at the master’s level may reflect an ongoing recalibration between student aspirations and market realities.”

More About the Preliminary Fall Enrollment Trends Report

This Preliminary Fall Enrollment Trends Report, which replaces the earlier Stay Informed reports launched during the pandemic, is the first installment in the new Clearinghouse Enrollment Insights series. This new series reflects enhanced methodology, a clarified reporting structure, and stronger alignment between preliminary and final enrollment data. The improved framework aims to provide policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders with early, reliable insights to guide decision-making.

As preliminary data, this report reflects 8.5 million enrollments reported as of September 25, 2025, by 49.4% of postsecondary institutions in the U.S. that submit student enrollment to the Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse Enrollment Insights: Final Fall Enrollment Trends Report, scheduled for release in January, will provide final enrollment trends for the fall term with additional analysis, including breakdowns by state, institution type, and student demographics. These findings will further illuminate how colleges are navigating demographic shifts, economic pressures, and evolving student expectations.

As higher education continues to adapt post-pandemic, these early findings from the Clearinghouse Research Center provide an essential snapshot of where U.S. colleges stand and where they might be headed.

“With half of our institutions reporting so far, the number of undergrads in colleges and universities this fall is on track to grow for the third straight year. That’s good news all around, but especially for community colleges as students continue to gravitate towards vocational certificates and associate degrees, leaving less momentum for growth among bachelors’ seekers.”

Doug Shapiro
Executive Director, National Student Clearinghouse Research Center