University Student Population: Average Numbers And Trends

The number of students at the average university varies depending on the type of institution. In the U.S., colleges range from having a few hundred students to over 60,000, with an average of 6,354 students according to a 2020 survey. Universities, which are larger institutions that offer a wider range of programs, typically have more students than colleges. Public universities tend to have larger student populations than private colleges due to their lower tuition costs and greater availability of funding. The number of students at a university can impact various aspects of the student experience, including class sizes, campus activities, and social life.

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

The average US college size is 6,354 students, according to a 2020 survey by the US News & World Report. However, this number can vary, with some institutions having just a few hundred students, while others have more than 60,000.

Now, let's take a detailed look at the differences between undergraduate and graduate students:

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students are those pursuing a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years to complete, or a two-year associate's degree. Undergraduate programs have a relatively simple admissions process, typically requiring submission of high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. During their program, students take foundational and general subject courses, some of which may be unrelated to their major. Undergraduate classes often take the form of large lectures with hundreds of students. The focus of undergraduate work is on learning and understanding broad concepts, and classes are usually teacher-led.

Graduate Students

Graduate students, on the other hand, are those who have already obtained a bachelor's degree and are now pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. The admissions process for graduate programs is more rigorous, requiring proof of a completed bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT scores, undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes, interviews. Graduate school coursework is highly specific and focused on helping students become experts in their chosen field. Graduate classes are much smaller, usually consisting of fewer than 20 students, and are highly interactive, with faculty members encouraging active participation and discussion. The focus of graduate work is on applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Differences in Flexibility, Research, and Marketability

Another key difference is the flexibility to switch programs or schools. It is relatively easier to switch majors or institutions during an undergraduate program due to the universality of degrees and similarities between programs. In contrast, making changes to a graduate program can be more challenging, as most master's programs are shorter in duration. Undergraduate research typically involves a few research projects or papers, while graduate school research constitutes a significant portion of the learning experience, often utilizing advanced tools and systems.

In terms of marketability, an undergraduate degree allows individuals to apply for entry-level jobs, while a graduate degree expands job opportunities and increases desirability in the eyes of potential employers. Graduate degrees are often sought by those aiming for leadership positions and can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Public vs. private colleges

The average US college has around 18 million students enrolled, with undergraduate enrollment in US universities at around 20.3 million in the 2022/23 academic year.

There are several differences between public and private colleges, and these can help determine which type of college is best for you.

Funding and Tuition Fees

Public colleges are owned and funded by state governments, whereas private colleges are funded by student tuition fees, endowments, and alumni donations. This means that public colleges are much more affordable, with tuition fees at around $5,897 for state residents, compared to an average of $25,914 at private colleges.

Size and Degree Offerings

Private colleges tend to be smaller, with a few thousand students, whereas public colleges can be huge, with some having over 60,000 students. This affects the number of degrees offered, with private colleges offering a smaller range of majors, and public colleges offering a wider variety of academic programs.

Class Size and Demographics

Private colleges have smaller class sizes, with easy access to professors, whereas some lower-division courses at public colleges can have 200 students enrolled. Private colleges attract a more geographically diverse student body, as state residency is not a factor, unlike at public colleges.

Campus Life

Private colleges are smaller and quieter, with a greater focus on academics. Public colleges have a more vibrant, energetic campus environment, with a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and a thriving Greek life.

Graduation and Employment Prospects

Private colleges have a better rate of students graduating on time, with 51.3% graduating within six years, compared to 45.4% at public colleges. However, degrees from top private universities can be more marketable, and may lead to a higher salary.

When deciding between public and private colleges, it's important to consider your personal preferences for class size, campus culture, degree programs, and, of course, the cost of tuition.

Full-time vs. part-time students

The number of students at the average university varies depending on the type of institution. According to a 2020 survey by the U.S. News & World Report, the average college size is 6,354 students. However, colleges in the U.S. can range from having just a few hundred students to over 60,000. A population size is considered small when it has under 5,000 students and large when it has over 15,000 students.

Now, let's explore the differences between full-time and part-time students in four to six paragraphs.

The decision to enroll as a full-time or part-time student is a significant one that can impact various aspects of a student's college experience and life outside of school. Understanding the differences between the two can help students make a more informed choice that aligns with their personal, financial, and lifestyle needs.

Full-time students are generally required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, which typically equates to around four classes. Graduate students may be considered full-time with nine credit hours per semester. Full-time students often pay a capped tuition fee per semester and have more opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. They also benefit from greater immersion in campus culture and more time for extracurricular activities and networking. However, they may face higher upfront tuition costs and have less time for work and other commitments outside of school.

On the other hand, part-time students take fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, usually 11 or fewer credits. Part-time enrollment often results in lower tuition costs per semester as students typically pay per credit. This option provides more flexibility for those with jobs or other personal responsibilities. Part-time students often have more time for internships during the semester and can take advantage of more diverse shift availability. However, the path to graduation is often significantly longer for part-time students, and they may have to juggle the demands of school with other commitments.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), of the 19.6 million students attending colleges and universities in the fall of 2019, 7.7 million were part-time students. Graduate and nontraditional students, including those with full-time jobs or parenting responsibilities, tend to have higher part-time enrollment rates. In October 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 41.5% of full-time college students worked, while 82% of part-time students were employed.

When deciding between full-time and part-time enrollment, students should carefully consider their personal circumstances, financial situation, and the time they can commit to their studies. Both options offer unique benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on the individual's specific needs and goals.

Male vs. female students

The average US college size is 6,354 students, according to a 2020 survey. However, this number varies greatly, with some institutions having just a few hundred students, while others have more than 60,000.

When it comes to male vs female students, there is a notable gender imbalance favoring women in US college enrollment. For every man, there are almost two women attending college. In other words, women make up about 55% of undergraduate students. This trend has been increasing over time, with the female-to-male ratio in undergraduate enrollment rising steadily since the 1970s.

In 2022, about 6.57 million male students were enrolled in US colleges as undergraduates, compared to about 8.82 million female undergraduate students. By 2031, these numbers are projected to increase to 7.12 million and 9.7 million, respectively. This means that the gender imbalance is expected to continue, with more women than men pursuing higher education in the US.

Several factors have been proposed to explain this gender disparity in college enrollment. One suggestion is that women may be outperforming men at the high school level, which would make them more competitive in the college admissions process. Additionally, women may face greater financial returns from college education, as they have better access to lucrative careers that require a college degree.

It is worth noting that the reasons for not completing a college degree differ between men and women. Men are more likely to cite personal choice as a factor, with a third saying they simply didn't want to attend college. On the other hand, women are more likely to mention financial considerations, with 44% stating that they couldn't afford college as a major reason for not pursuing a degree.

In-state vs. out-of-state students

The average number of students enrolled in U.S. colleges has been reported to be around 18 million, with undergraduate enrollment in the 2022/23 academic year at roughly 20.3 million. However, college enrollment has generally been declining over the past decade.

When it comes to in-state vs. out-of-state students, there are several factors to consider. In-state colleges refer to public institutions funded by state taxes, and they offer lower tuition costs and proximity to home. Out-of-state colleges, on the other hand, may be more expensive for non-residents but can provide unique opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to specialized programs.

Benefits of In-State Colleges:

• Lower tuition costs: In-state students typically benefit from discounted tuition rates, making higher education more affordable.
• Financial aid: State-funded scholarship programs and financial aid opportunities may be more accessible to in-state students.
• Proximity to home: Students can easily maintain connections with family and friends, which can make the transition to college smoother.
• Local internship and networking opportunities: Staying close to home allows students to establish connections within their home state's job market.

Drawbacks of In-State Colleges:

• Limited academic programs: Students may find a more limited range of academic programs and specialized courses compared to larger out-of-state or private schools.
• Limited diversity and exposure: Students seeking a change of scenery and exposure to different cultures may prefer the broader experiences offered by out-of-state colleges.
• Limited personal growth: For some, staying close to home may limit their sense of independence and personal growth.

Benefits of Out-of-State Colleges:

• Academic and research opportunities: Out-of-state schools may offer more academic programs, research opportunities, and specialized courses, depending on the school's funding, faculty expertise, and regional factors.
• New cultural experiences: Students can immerse themselves in a different local culture, exploring regional traditions and social dynamics.
• Different environment: Out-of-state colleges can offer a change of scenery, whether urban, suburban, or rural, along with different weather patterns and outdoor activities.
• Career opportunities: Out-of-state schools may be in areas with different industries and economic strengths, providing unique job and internship opportunities.
• Self-reliance and independence: Being far from home encourages self-reliance and independence as students learn to adapt and manage finances.

Drawbacks of Out-of-State Colleges:

• Higher tuition: Out-of-state tuition is typically higher, which can be a financial burden and limit accessibility for students with financial barriers.
• Distance from support systems: Being physically distant from family and friends can be emotionally challenging and isolating, especially if returning home is difficult due to travel constraints.
• Adjustment challenges: Navigating a new area, finding essential services, and adjusting to different cultural and social environments may be difficult for some students, potentially leading to homesickness and isolation.
• Home state job market: Graduates of out-of-state colleges may face challenges securing employment in their home state if their education doesn't align with local job market needs or they haven't built a local network.

Popular Public In-State and Out-of-State Universities:

According to statistics for the class of 2027, here are some popular public colleges with their in-state, out-of-state, and international undergraduate admission percentages:

• University of California, Berkeley: In-state (15.13%), Out-of-state (7.80%), International (5.15%)
• University of California, Los Angeles: In-state (9.46%), Out-of-state (8.62%), International (6.09%)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: In-state (36.55%), Out-of-state and International (11.37%)
• University of Washington, Seattle: In-state (52.27%), Out-of-state (38.46%), International (45.42%)
• University of Colorado, Boulder: In-state (92.35%), Out-of-state and International (74.82%)

Frequently asked questions