Us College And University Student Population: An Overview

There are currently around 250 million students enrolled in higher education institutions worldwide. This number is expected to rise to 594 million by 2040. The rise in demand for higher education has led to competition between universities to attract students.

In 2019, 36% of the US population graduated from a higher degree institution. In the same year, 53.31 million students graduated with a bachelor's degree in the US.

According to a study by Harvard University and the Asian Development Bank, around 6.7% of the world population has a college degree.

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Enrollment

In the US, there are around 18 million students enrolled in colleges and universities, with undergraduate students making up the majority of this figure. In Fall 2023, about 15.2 million students were enrolled in an undergraduate program, while there were roughly 3.1 million graduate students.

The number of undergraduate students has seen a slight decrease from the previous year, with 20.4 million students enrolled in the 2021/22 academic year, compared to 20.3 million in 2022/23. Undergraduate enrollment has also decreased by 5.6% from Fall 2019 to Fall 2023, with a total college enrollment decline of 4% in the same period.

In Fall 2023, 8.5 million students were pursuing a bachelor's degree, while 4.4 million were getting associate degrees. There were about 3.1 million students enrolled in graduate programs such as master's programs, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees in law and medicine.

Of the 18.1 million students enrolled in Fall 2023, 11.29 million or 60.7% were enrolled full-time. 55% of undergraduate students were women, while women made up 59% of graduate students.

Public vs. Private Colleges

The number of students enrolled in colleges and universities varies across the world. Here is a comparison of public and private colleges, which will help you understand the difference between the two:

Public and private colleges differ in how they are funded, managed, and the campus experience they offer. Let's delve into the key differences between the two:

Funding and Cost of Attendance:

Public colleges are primarily funded by state and federal governments, which allows them to offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students. The government subsidies cover a portion of the costs, reducing the financial burden on students. For instance, during 2020-21, the average cost of tuition and fees for out-of-state students at public four-year colleges was $18,809, while in-state students paid approximately $8,487. Private colleges, on the other hand, rely heavily on student tuition fees, endowments, and alumni donations. As a result, the cost of attendance at private colleges is usually much higher, with the average tuition price currently at $30,065 for four-year colleges.

Program Offerings and Research Opportunities:

Public universities, due to their larger scale and government funding, often provide a broader range of academic programs and research facilities. They tend to have more diverse degree programs, accommodating a wider range of student interests. Additionally, public universities can leverage their resources to establish numerous research institutes and labs, benefiting students who aim to pursue academic research. Private colleges, particularly liberal arts colleges, might offer fewer academic majors. However, they can provide specialized programs for students who are certain about their field of interest.

Campus Experience and Class Size:

Public colleges are typically larger, resulting in a greater variety of student clubs, campus activities, and a more vibrant social scene. They usually have larger class sizes, which may mean less one-on-one interaction between students and professors. Private colleges, on the other hand, offer smaller campuses and class sizes, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Students seeking more direct guidance and closer relationships with professors may prefer private colleges.

Admissions and Financial Aid:

Private colleges tend to be more selective in their admissions process and are generally harder to get accepted into. They often provide more merit-based and need-based scholarships, thanks to their larger endowment funds. Public colleges, while generally having higher acceptance rates, may offer better financial aid and lower tuition costs to in-state students since they contribute to state taxes, which fund these colleges. However, out-of-state and international students may find it challenging to obtain substantial financial aid at public colleges.

Diversity and Geographic Factors:

Public colleges, due to their higher acceptance rates and more affordable tuition, tend to have a more demographically diverse student body. Private colleges, by charging the same tuition rates regardless of residency, often attract a more geographically diverse student population. However, it's important to note that each college is unique, and factors like diversity may vary depending on the specific institutions being compared.

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment

The decision to enrol as a full-time or part-time student is a significant one that can greatly impact a student's college experience. Here is a detailed overview of the differences between full-time and part-time enrolment to help guide your decision:

Course Load

Full-time students typically take on a heavier course load, with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, amounting to around four to five classes. Graduate students enrolled full-time usually take a minimum of nine credits per semester. Part-time students, on the other hand, take fewer than 12 credit hours, often taking 11 or fewer credits, which translates to one to three classes per week.

Time Commitment

Full-time students devote a significant amount of time to their academics, often requiring excellent time management and organisational skills to manage the heavier course load. Part-time students, however, have more flexibility in their schedules, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments such as work, family, or extracurricular activities.

Cost

The cost of tuition is an important consideration when choosing between full-time and part-time enrolment. Full-time students often pay a flat rate per semester or year, which can result in paying more upfront. In contrast, part-time students usually pay per credit, which may reduce their immediate financial burden but can lead to higher overall costs over a longer period.

Financial Aid

Financial aid opportunities vary between full-time and part-time students. Many scholarships, grants, and assistance programs require full-time enrolment for eligibility. Part-time students may still be eligible for some financial aid, but the amount may be reduced, and certain scholarships requiring full-time status may not be available to them.

Graduation Timeline

Full-time students generally graduate sooner since they take more classes per semester. Part-time students, due to their reduced course load, often take longer to complete their degrees, which may be a consideration for those eager to enter the job market.

Work and Internships

Part-time enrolment can be advantageous for those seeking employment or internships alongside their studies. The more flexible schedule may allow for a better balance between work and academics, and the availability to work various shifts may result in more job opportunities. Full-time students may struggle to manage both work and academics due to their heavier course load and stricter schedule.

Personal Life and Extracurriculars

Full-time students have less time for personal responsibilities, family, or extracurricular activities outside of their rigorous academic schedule. Part-time students, on the other hand, have more freedom to pursue hobbies, athletics, and other commitments alongside their studies, allowing for a more well-rounded college experience.

Housing

Campus housing is often limited to full-time students, especially during the initial years of their degree. Part-time students usually have the option to live in private housing off-campus, giving them more control over their living arrangements.

Immersion and Networking

Full-time students spend more time on campus, leading to a more immersive academic experience and providing greater opportunities for networking and social connections with peers and professors. Part-time students may still participate in campus activities, but their reduced time on campus may limit these opportunities.

Challenges and Benefits

Full-time students face challenges such as higher upfront tuition fees and less time for work or personal commitments. However, they benefit from faster graduation timelines, increased financial aid opportunities, and higher retention rates. Part-time students may struggle with a demanding schedule, especially when balancing multiple commitments, and may face reduced scholarship opportunities. However, part-time enrolment can lead to lower immediate tuition costs, more time for work, and greater flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision between full-time and part-time enrolment depends on your personal situation and goals. Consider your financial situation, time availability, and priorities when making this important choice.

Online vs. In-person Enrollment

The number of students enrolled in colleges and universities in the US has been fluctuating over the years. In 2022, there were approximately 18.58 million college students in the US, with around 13.49 million enrolled in public colleges and 5.09 million in private colleges. The number of total enrolled postsecondary students declined by 0.4% from 2021 to 2022.

The pandemic caused a shift towards online learning, with many students enrolling in online courses. In fall 2021, about 11.2 million college students were enrolled in at least one distance education course, and about 30% were enrolled exclusively in online courses. Online learning offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to study from anywhere and plan their schedules accordingly. It is also more affordable and accessible, especially for those with disabilities or busy schedules. However, online learning may not offer the same level of interaction and engagement as in-person learning, and it requires students to have good time management skills and self-motivation.

In-person learning, on the other hand, provides a structured environment with hands-on experience and immediate feedback. It fosters stronger relationships between students and instructors, which can be beneficial for letter-of-recommendation requests. It is also ideal for underperforming students who may need more support and those who prefer a guided approach with a set schedule. However, in-person learning can be more expensive and less flexible in terms of scheduling.

Both online and in-person enrollment methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on the student's learning style, budget, and schedule. A hybrid model, combining online and in-person components, can be a good alternative, offering the benefits of both approaches while mitigating some of their drawbacks.

College Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

In the US, there were approximately 18.58 million college students in 2022, with around 13.49 million enrolled in public colleges and 5.09 million enrolled in private colleges. The number of students enrolled in colleges has generally been declining over the past decade.

White Students

White students are the largest racial group represented in undergraduate programs. In 2023, they made up 40.5% of the total undergraduate population. 52.3% of college students are white, excluding non-resident non-citizens or international students. In 2022, 53% of undergraduate and graduate students were white.

Hispanic and Latino/a Students

Hispanic and Latino/a students were the second-largest group in 2023, at roughly 18.3% of the total undergraduate population. In 2022, they made up 20.35% of the student population, a 483% increase from 1976.

Black Students

Black students made up roughly 11% of the student population in 2023.

Asian Students

Asian students made up 6% of the student population in 2023. Their attendance has increased by 12.6% relative to 2010.

Native American Students

Native American students made up less than 1% of the student population in 2023. Their attendance has increased by 0.043% since 1976.

Pacific Islander Students

Pacific Islander students made up 0.25% of the student population in 2023. Their attendance has declined by 30.6% relative to 2010.

Multiracial Students

Multiracial students made up 4.34% of the student population in 2023. Their attendance has increased by 135% relative to 2010.

Frequently asked questions