Lori Meadows
The number of students enrolled in US colleges has been subject to fluctuations over the years. In 2014-15, about 2.6 million undergraduates attended public flagship state universities, accounting for 10.9% of all undergraduates in the US. Public universities have historically played a crucial role in social mobility for high-achieving, low-income students, offering an uncommon education for the common man. However, rising tuition fees have led to a decline in in-state enrolment, disproportionately affecting moderate- and low-income students. California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population with 22,152 students. Overall, public four-year universities enrol the greatest number of students (7.9 million), followed by public two-year colleges (4.8 million).
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What You'll Learn
- California has the highest number of enrolled students at 2.487 million
- % of students attend public institutions
- There are 19.625 million postsecondary students enrolled in the US
- Arizona State University enrolled the most students out of 20 colleges
- states have seen a decline in postsecondary enrollment since 2010
California has the highest number of enrolled students at 2.487 million
California has the highest number of enrolled students in the US, with 2.487 million students, a 97.8% increase since 1970. This is a notable statistic, especially when compared to states with much smaller student populations, such as Alaska, which has 22,152 students, or Wyoming, Montana, and Vermont, which have fewer than 50,000 students each. California's high enrollment numbers can be attributed to its large population and the presence of many well-known colleges and universities. The state is known for its diverse range of educational institutions, including public universities, private colleges, and community colleges.
One notable example of a public university in California is California State University, Fullerton, which had a student body of nearly 37,000 in 2023. While this is considered small compared to other institutions, it still contributes significantly to the state's high enrollment numbers. Public colleges and universities in California often have booming athletic programs and large lecture hall classes, attracting a large number of students.
California's public flagship universities have a long history of providing an "uncommon education for the common man," as stated by University of Michigan President James Angell in the late 1800s. These institutions have been the "engines of social mobility" for high-achieving, low-income students who cannot afford elite private colleges. However, it is important to note that state universities in California, and across the US, have experienced fluctuations in enrollment due to increasing tuition prices, which disproportionately affect low-income students.
Despite these challenges, California's higher education system continues to thrive and attract students from within the state and across the country. The state's large student population contributes to a diverse and vibrant academic community, fostering innovation and growth in various fields of study. The high enrollment numbers in California also reflect the state's commitment to education and its recognition of the importance of accessibility and opportunity for its residents.
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74.3% of students attend public institutions
Public institutions, including state universities, have long been the dominant "engines of social mobility" for high-achieving, low-income students in the United States. In fact, 74.3% of students in one demographic attend public institutions. This is reflected in the overall college enrollment statistics, which show that the greatest number of college students are enrolled at public four-year universities (7.9 million), followed by public two-year colleges (4.8 million).
Public colleges and universities typically enroll more students than private institutions. For example, Arizona State University enrolled almost 65,200 students in the fall of 2023, while California State University-Fullerton had a student body of nearly 37,000. In contrast, Liberty University in Virginia, a private school, enrolled an average of nearly 44,300 undergraduate students in the same semester.
There are several reasons why public flagship state universities attract so many students, particularly those from out of state. Firstly, they are more affordable than private institutions, especially for in-state students, as state universities can increase tuition fees to compensate for state funding cuts. Secondly, they often provide merit aid, which can make them more accessible to high-achieving, low-income students. Finally, public universities have a larger capacity to help talented, low-income students realize their potential, as they enroll a much larger share of the total number of undergraduates in the United States than private institutions.
Despite the benefits of public universities, it is important to note that college enrollment in the United States has been declining in recent years, with 45 states seeing a decline in postsecondary enrollment since 2010. This decline was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted higher education across the country. However, enrollment trended up again in fall 2023, with first-year student enrollment increasing by 5.5% compared to the previous year. This increase was driven by older first-year students, with the biggest gains seen in the 25 and older age group (+19.7%).
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There are 19.625 million postsecondary students enrolled in the US
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in college enrollment, particularly among undergraduates. However, the number of students enrolled in online courses increased during this time, and the overall college enrollment began to rise again in fall 2023, with a 5.5% increase in first-year student enrollment in fall 2024.
Tuition fees and costs of attendance at US colleges have been steadily increasing, with the average total cost of attendance (including tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board) exceeding $20,000 for in-state students at public flagship universities. This has led to a decline in in-state enrollment, particularly among moderate- and low-income students, who are most affected by rising tuition prices.
The demographics of college students in the US are also changing. There has been an increase in the number of older first-year students (ages 21 and above), with enrollment gains of 16.7% for students ages 21-24 and 19.7% for students ages 25 and older in 2024. Additionally, more students are willing to travel out of their home state for their college education. California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population at 22,152.
Public colleges and universities in the US typically enroll more students than private institutions. Public four-year universities have the greatest number of enrolled students (7.9 million), followed by public two-year colleges (4.8 million) and private nonprofit four-year colleges (4.1 million).
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Arizona State University enrolled the most students out of 20 colleges
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1885, it is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including accelerated degrees, dual majors, and master's pathways. With a large number of students and a diverse range of academic offerings, ASU has established itself as a prominent educational institution in the country.
ASU's total undergraduate enrollment was 65,174 in the fall of 2023. In addition, the university has a significant number of students attending classes online, with over 74,000 online students. The total number of undergraduates across all campuses is 142,000, and there are over 41,000 postgraduates, bringing the overall student population to over 183,000. This makes ASU one of the largest universities in the nation in terms of enrollment.
ASU's rise to become one of the largest public universities by enrollment has been a result of its expansion over the years. The university has continuously grown and evolved, adding new colleges and academic programs to meet the needs of a growing student population. During the Great Depression, under the leadership of President Ralph Waldo Swetman, enrollment at ASU surpassed 1,000 students for the first time. The university continued to expand under subsequent presidents, and by 1969, the enrollment had more than doubled to 23,000.
ASU's commitment to academic excellence and innovation has contributed to its enrollment success. The university offers a diverse range of degree programs, with over 350 majors for undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate programs. ASU's academic reputation and focus on research have attracted students from across the globe, enhancing its reputation as a top educational institution. The university's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, such as its designation as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2022, have also played a role in its enrollment growth.
While ASU faced challenges during the economic downturn in 2008, which led to budget cuts and temporary enrollment caps, the university recovered and continued its expansion efforts. The establishment of additional campuses, such as the West Valley and Polytechnic campuses, contributed to its growing enrollment. ASU's ability to adapt and respond to economic challenges while maintaining its focus on academic excellence has positioned it as a leading educational institution, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and locations.
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45 states have seen a decline in postsecondary enrollment since 2010
The number of students enrolled in colleges and universities in the US has been fluctuating over the years. Postsecondary enrollment peaked in 2010 at 21.02 million, with 11.91 million students enrolled full-time. However, 45 states have seen a decline in postsecondary enrollment since 2010, indicating a downward trend in college enrollment.
Several factors contribute to the decline in college enrollment across the US. One significant factor is the increasing cost of higher education, which has made it challenging for many students to afford college. The rise in tuition fees and other associated costs has likely deterred potential students from enrolling. Additionally, the Great Recession of 2007 led to a decrease in the birth rate, resulting in a smaller college-aged population. This demographic shift is expected to cause a substantial drop in college applications in 2025, an event experts have dubbed the "enrollment cliff."
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in accelerating the decline in undergraduate enrollment. The pandemic's impact on public colleges, particularly two-year institutions, was notable, with a 38% drop in enrollment between 2010 and 2022. Four-year private for-profit colleges experienced a similar decline, losing about 55% of their enrollment during the same period. International student enrollment and transfer enrollment also saw sharp declines during the pandemic.
While overall undergraduate enrollment has been decreasing, there are some notable exceptions. For instance, New Hampshire, Utah, Idaho, Delaware, Texas, and the District of Columbia have seen increases in their student populations since 2010. Additionally, enrollment in four-year public colleges grew by 15%, and four-year nonprofit colleges saw a 3.5% increase. Furthermore, graduate student enrollment increased slightly in the years following the pandemic, indicating a complex landscape of enrollment trends across different types of institutions and student demographics.
Despite the recent decline, it is important to recognize that college enrollment rates have historically fluctuated. The downward trend since 2010 may correct itself over time, especially if economic conditions improve and more financial aid becomes available for prospective students. Additionally, the projected increase in female and male enrollment between 2021 and 2031, estimated at 9% for both groups, could help counteract the current downward trend.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2014-15, about 2.6 million undergraduates attended public flagship state universities. In 2024, the total number of postsecondary students enrolled climbed to 19.625 million.
California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million.
Alaska has the smallest student population with 22,152 students enrolled.
Arizona State University enrolled almost 65,200 students in Fall 2023, making it the largest state university by undergraduate enrollment.
California State University-Fullerton had the smallest student body with nearly 37,000 students enrolled in Fall 2023.
