State Universities: Student Population In The Us

In the United States, a state college or state university is a public college or university that is funded by or associated with the state government. There are nearly 4,000 degree-granting academic institutions in the country, according to the US Department of Education. Of these, there were 1,625 public four-year and two-year colleges in the fall of 2019.

State universities usually offer lower tuition costs to in-state residents and receive substantial financial support from the federal government.

The number of students enrolled in colleges across the US has been declining since its peak in 2010. However, some state universities have high enrolment numbers, with undergraduate enrolment at some institutions exceeding the population of small cities in the US.

How many students are enrolled in state universities in the US?

The number of students enrolled in state universities in the US is difficult to pinpoint exactly, as the data depends on how university branch campuses are counted, and the total number of colleges is in flux. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 3,982 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the US as of the 2019-2020 school year. Of these, there were 1,625 public four-year and two-year colleges.

The number of students enrolled in colleges across the US has been declining since its peak in 2010, when 21.02 million students were enrolled. As of Fall 2022, the total number of postsecondary students was 18.95 million. Of these, 15.397 million were undergraduate students, a 7% decline from 2019.

The number of students enrolled varies across states. California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population, with 22,152 students enrolled.

According to US News data for Fall 2022, the 15 colleges with the highest undergraduate enrollment enrolled an average of nearly 46,000 students. Arizona State University enrolled the most students of any school on the list, with about 65,500.

What are the demographics of students at state universities?

The demographics of students at state universities in the US vary across a range of factors, including gender, race, age, and state. Here is a breakdown of each of these factors:

Gender

Women outnumber men in US colleges and have done so since 1979. In fall 2023, over 10.1 million women were enrolled in college, compared to 7.2 million men. Women make up 55% of undergraduate students and nearly 60% of graduate students.

Race

There is no single racial majority in US college admissions. However, white students are the largest racial group, making up 52-55% of college students. The racial breakdown of college students is as follows:

• White: 52-55%
• Hispanic/Latino: 20-21%
• Black/African American: 13%
• Asian/Asian American: 7-8%
• Native American/Alaska Native: 0.69%
• Pacific Islander: 0.25%
• Multiracial: 4.34%

Age

Most college students first enroll in their late teens as full-time students. Part-time students tend to be older. In spring 2023, the average age of full-time undergraduate students was about 22.5.

State

College enrollment rates vary significantly by state. California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.49 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population at 22,152. New Hampshire, Utah, and Idaho have seen the largest increases in enrollment rates in recent years.

Other Demographics

Other notable demographic trends among college students include:

• 60% of college students are enrolled full-time.
• 39% of 18-24-year-olds were enrolled in a postsecondary program in 2022.
• 62% of high school graduates in 2022 immediately enrolled in college.
• 5.57% of American adults are currently enrolled in college as part-time or full-time students.
• 1,057,188 enrolled students in the 2022-2023 academic year were foreign-born.

How does the number of students at state universities compare to private institutions?

The number of students enrolled in colleges and universities in the US has been declining since its peak in 2010. In the Fall of 2019 semester, 18.2 million students were enrolled in colleges, a decrease of 1.3% from the previous year. Of these students, 7.9 million were enrolled in public 4-year colleges, 3.8 million in private non-profit 4-year institutions, 750,000 in private for-profit 4-year schools, and 5.3 million in public 2-year colleges. Overall, 72.63% of college students at all education levels attend public institutions, while 27.25% attend private institutions.

The number of students enrolled in colleges has been declining due to a variety of factors, including financial struggles, adverse publicity, and challenges with students getting financial aid. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in the decline, as many students have chosen to delay their enrollment or attend colleges closer to home.

The cost of college is also a significant factor influencing students' choices. The average college tuition and fees for private colleges were $36,801 in the academic year 2019-2020, with high-ranking institutions charging around $50,000. Public schools, on the other hand, charge an average of $22,577 for out-of-state students and $10,116 for in-state students. The increasing cost of college has led to a rise in the number of students relying on financial aid.

In terms of the total number of colleges and universities in the US, the US Department of Education lists nearly 4,000 degree-granting academic institutions. Of these, there are 1,625 public four-year and two-year colleges, 1,660 private nonprofit four-year and two-year schools, and 697 for-profit schools. However, the number of colleges in the US has been steadily declining, particularly in the for-profit sector.

How does the number of students at state universities vary across different states?

The number of students at state universities varies significantly across different states in the US. As of Fall 2022, California had the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.49 million, while Alaska had the smallest student population with 22,152 students enrolled.

Some states have seen an increase in their student population since 2010, while others have experienced a decline. New Hampshire, Utah, Idaho, Delaware, Texas, and the District of Columbia have witnessed increases in enrollment, with New Hampshire and Utah leading the way with 184% and 56.94% growth, respectively. On the other hand, 45 states have faced a decline in postsecondary enrollment, with Iowa and Alaska experiencing the most significant drops of 47% and 42.1%, respectively.

The variation in student numbers can also be observed within states with multiple university systems. For example, California has two university systems, and Texas has seven, allowing for a more diverse range of student populations within these states.

The number of students opting for out-of-state public universities also influences the variation in student numbers across state universities. Universities like the United States Coast Guard Academy (95%), the United States Military Academy (94%), and the University of Vermont (75%) have a high percentage of out-of-state students, contributing to the fluctuation in student numbers across different states.

What are the most popular state universities in the US?

The United States is home to thousands of colleges and universities, with nearly 4,000 degree-granting academic institutions listed by the US Department of Education. Public universities are those that receive public funding, typically through a state or national government, and are therefore able to offer discounted tuition to residents of their states.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is a top-ranked college on almost every ranking list, not only because of its selectiveness but also because of its reputation for helping students find great careers after graduation. UCLA has a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, which is smaller than many public colleges. In addition to its academics, UCLA is known for its athletic achievements and its beautiful campus, with year-round warm weather and quick access to the ocean.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (UMich)

UMich is known for its large student body and its incredible number of programs, internships, and organizations on campus. It is also recognised as a top-20 research university with some of the best graduate programs in the US. The academics are incredible and Ann Arbor is the perfect college town.

University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley has long been associated with a politically active student body, but it is also known for its many Nobel laureates and highly ranked programs. Berkeley is a large school with lots of resources and diverse academic programs to choose from. It is currently ranked by Forbes as the #2 college in the US, including both public and private institutions.

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina is known for its driven students who are in search of an academic challenge. The college offers programs in a wide range of fields, as well as strong sports teams. It is smaller than many other public schools, with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, giving it an intimate feeling.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is known for its strong, active athletics department, as well as its strong sense of student pride. However, the fun doesn't outweigh the academics—University of Virginia students cite their school's intellectual community as a big part of what they love about attending their college.

College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary is smaller than many public colleges, and its surrounding area has more of a small-town feeling than some other campuses. Despite its size, the college has a diverse student body and many on-campus events. It also has the oldest honour code in the US and is often considered a "public Ivy", meaning that it attracts high-achieving students and great faculty.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech is known for being an academically challenging research university. Students have a lot of school pride and value the college's longstanding traditions. Its large campus and city setting don't conflict with its smaller, tight-knit internal communities. The college is highly ranked in rigorous fields like engineering, and graduates enjoy high average salaries.

University of Texas, Austin (UT Austin)

UT Austin is known for having a unique student body with plenty of friendly students. The surrounding Austin area has lots to offer, including festivals like South by Southwest and many different food options. UT Austin is also famed for its student pride; many students say they feel a deep sense of connection and pride in their school and other students.

University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)

One of UC Santa Barbara's most prominent features is its proximity to the beach. It is known for its beautiful location and its thriving social life, with a reputation as a party school. However, students say that its reputation is a bit overblown, and that its strong academic programs—especially engineering, biology, and marine biology—are just as important to their college experience.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is considered to be one of the most affordable schools, especially thanks to its capped tuition. Despite having a large student body, the campus is known for its sense of camaraderie and its tight-knit community, emphasised by an intense feeling of school pride.

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