University Student Population: What's The Average Number?

The size of a university's student body can vary quite drastically, and this can have a significant impact on the overall college experience. The Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities defines small colleges as those with fewer than 5,000 students, medium colleges as those with 5,000 to 15,000 students, and large colleges as those with more than 15,000 students. However, even within these broad categories, there can be a lot of variation. For example, a huge public university like the University of Michigan can have more than 30,000 students, while a private liberal arts college might have fewer than 3,000. The number of students at a university can affect everything from the social scene to the variety of academic programs offered, and it's important for prospective students to consider what type of environment they prefer when deciding where to enroll.

What is the average university size in the US?

The average university size in the US varies depending on the type of college and the level of study.

Undergraduate Enrollment

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were approximately 15.4 million undergraduate students enrolled in US colleges in fall 2021. This number decreased by 3% from fall 2020 and continued a downward trend observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Undergraduate enrollment was 15% lower in fall 2021 compared to fall 2010, and it is projected to increase by 9% between 2021 and 2031.

Graduate Enrollment

In fall 2021, about 3.2 million students were enrolled in postbaccalaureate programs in the US. Postbaccalaureate programs include master's and doctoral programs, as well as professional degrees such as law and medicine. Between 2010 and 2019, total postbaccalaureate enrollment increased by 5%, and it is projected to increase by another 6% by 2031.

Total Enrollment

Combining undergraduate and graduate enrollment, there were roughly 18 million students enrolled in US colleges in fall 2023, with a slight decline in total enrollment of 4% from fall 2019 to fall 2023. This decline is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enrollment by College Type

Breaking down enrollment by college type, approximately 13.49 million students were enrolled in public colleges, and 5.09 million students were enrolled in private colleges in 2022. Undergraduate enrollment in the academic year 2022-23 was around 20.3 million, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Average University Size

While there is no single average university size in the US due to variations in enrollment across institutions, the average headcount across 1,190 colleges that reported data to U.S. News was about 6,400 students. This highlights the diversity in university sizes, with some institutions enrolling tens of thousands of students, while others have a more intimate learning environment with a few hundred students.

How many students does a 'small' university have?

The size of a university can significantly impact a student's experience, from the social scene to the academic programs available. While the terms "university" and "college" are often used interchangeably in the US, a university is typically larger than a college, offering a wider variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities, institutions with fewer than 5,000 students are considered "small". These tend to be private colleges, such as Colgate, Grinnell, and Reed, but there are also small public colleges, including SUNY Geneseo and Delaware State University.

Small universities typically have tight-knit communities where students can get to know many people and develop long-lasting relationships with professors and staff. However, they may offer fewer academic majors and programs, as well as limited social opportunities and activities.

The average college size in the US is 6,354 students, according to a 2020 survey by the U.S. News & World Report. However, colleges can have as few as a few hundred students, while some universities have more than 60,000.

When choosing a university, it's important to consider not only the size but also the social and academic fit. A small university may be preferable for those seeking a more intimate and comfortable environment, while a larger university can offer a wider range of programs and activities.

How many students does a 'large' university have?

The classification of a university as small, medium, or large depends on its student population. According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities, colleges with fewer than 5,000 students are considered "small". "Medium" colleges typically have a student population ranging from 5,000 to 15,000, while "large" universities usually have more than 15,000 students enrolled.

Some universities have student populations exceeding 30,000 and can be labelled as "huge". For instance, the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley, are public universities with more than 30,000 students.

In the US, the average number of students enrolled in colleges that reported data to U.S. News in an annual survey was about 6,400. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the type of institution and other factors.

For example, public colleges and universities often enrol more students than private institutions. Arizona State University, a public university, enrolled nearly 65,200 undergraduate students in the fall of 2023, while Liberty University, a private school, had about 24,600 students during the 2024-2025 academic year.

The impact of a large university setting is varied. Some students may find it overwhelming, while others may enjoy the excitement of cheering on the school team with thousands of fans. Large universities often offer a wider variety of majors, research facilities, graduate schools, and well-known faculty members. They also tend to have larger alumni networks and prominent Division I sports teams.

However, large universities may also have lecture-style classes with hundreds or even thousands of students, making it more challenging to get to know the professors or stand out academically. Additionally, bureaucratic processes for changing majors, adding or dropping classes, or accessing academic support may be more complicated at larger institutions.

When considering university size, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons based on individual preferences and needs.

How many students are enrolled in US colleges in total?

The number of students enrolled in US colleges has been declining over the past decade. In fall 2023, there were almost 18.1 million students enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the US. This is a decline from the peak of 21.02 million in 2010.

In fall 2022, about 19 million students attended colleges and universities (including non-degree-granting institutions) in the US. Of these students, 11.5 million attended full time, and 7.4 million attended part-time. 15.8 million students attended undergraduate programs, and 3.2 million attended graduate programs.

In fall 2021, total undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the US was 15.4 million students, 3% lower than in fall 2020 (15.9 million students). This continued the downward trend in undergraduate enrollment observed before the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, undergraduate enrollment was 15% lower in fall 2021 than in fall 2010, with 42% of this decline occurring during the pandemic.

In fall 2023, about 15.2 million students were enrolled in an undergraduate program, and roughly 3.1 million were enrolled in a graduate-level program.

How does university size affect the student experience?

The size of a university can definitely affect a student's experience. The Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities considers institutions with fewer than 5,000 students as "small", those between 5,000 and 15,000 as "medium", and those with more than 15,000 students as "large". A university's size can influence how overwhelming or comfortable a student feels, the variety of academic programs and social opportunities available, and the level of interaction with professors and staff.

Small colleges are often known for their tight-knit communities, where students can easily get to know each other and develop long-lasting relationships with professors. However, they may offer fewer academic majors and programs, as well as limited social activities and events. On the other hand, large universities can feel exciting to some students due to their vast student bodies, extensive alumni networks, and diverse academic and extracurricular options. Yet, they may also be bureaucratic and make it harder for students to stand out or develop close connections with faculty. Medium-sized colleges can offer a balance between these factors, providing both a sense of community and a wide range of academic choices.

The impact of university size on student experience also depends on individual preferences. Some students may prefer the intimate setting of a small college, where they know most people and can easily connect with professors. Others might seek the excitement and anonymity of a large university with thousands of fans cheering on the school team. Additionally, the size of the undergraduate population within a large university may be smaller than expected, and large classes can be found at institutions of any size.

Furthermore, the perception of university size can vary. A small college can feel large if it collaborates with other institutions to share resources and experiences, while a large university can feel smaller if it offers honours programs or small group discussions. The social environment, such as the comfort of being a "big fish in a small pond" or a "small fish in a big pond," is an essential consideration when deciding on university size.

In conclusion, university size plays a significant role in shaping student experiences. While small colleges offer close-knit communities and opportunities for faculty engagement, they may have limited academic and social options. Large universities provide a wider range of choices but can be overwhelming and less personal. Medium-sized institutions often strike a balance, offering both a sense of community and academic variety. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences for the social environment and the specific advantages or disadvantages of each university size.

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