Savanna Hoffman
The number of students enrolled in US colleges and universities has been on a steady decline since 2010. In 2021, there were 15.4 million undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, a 3% decrease from 2020. This downward trend has continued into 2022, with 455,500 nonresident undergraduate students enrolled, a further 3% decrease from 2021. However, postbaccalaureate enrollment has seen an increase, with 3.2 million students enrolled in 2021, a 5% increase from 2019. The greatest number of college students are enrolled in public four-year universities (7.9 million), followed by public two-year colleges (4.8 million) and private nonprofit four-year colleges (4.1 million). California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population at 22,152.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of college students in the U.S. in 2022 | 18.58 million |
| Number of enrolled college students in California | 2.487 million |
| States with more than a million college students enrolled | New York and Texas |
| State with the smallest student population | Alaska (22,152 students enrolled) |
| States with fewer than 50,000 enrolled college students | Wyoming, Montana, and Vermont |
| States with the largest increases in enrollment rates relative to 2010 | New Hampshire, Utah, and Idaho |
| States with the largest declines in enrollment since 2010 | Iowa and Alaska |
| Number of colleges in the U.S. | Around 4,000 |
| Number of students enrolled in Alabama colleges | 294,009 |
| Number of students enrolled in Colorado colleges | 346,716 |
| Number of students enrolled in Connecticut colleges | 187,764 |
| Undergraduate enrollment at Arizona State University in Fall 2023 | 65,200 |
| Undergraduate enrollment at California State University in Fall 2023 | 37,000 |
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What You'll Learn
California has the highest number of enrolled students
California colleges and universities account for 12% of full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment of all higher education institutions in the country. California colleges had a total of 2,664,570 students in the academic year 2023-2024, including 2,359,577 undergraduates and 304,993 graduate school students. Of these, 1,478,058 were full-time students and 1,186,512 were part-time students.
The California State University (Cal State or CSU) is a public university system in California and is the largest public university system in the United States. It consists of 23 campuses and seven off-campus centers, which together enroll 461,612 students. It is one of the three public higher education systems in California, along with the University of California (UC) and California Community Colleges (CCC). Three-quarters (75%) of college students in California attend a public institution, with more than half enrolled in a community college.
The CSU system is the leading producer of bachelor's degrees in the country, with over 110,000 graduates each year. In the 2015–16 academic year, CSU awarded 52% of newly issued California teaching credentials and 33% of the state's information technology bachelor's degrees. It had more graduates in business, criminal justice, engineering, public administration, and agriculture than all other colleges and universities in California combined. Altogether, about half of the bachelor's degrees, one-fourth of the master's degrees, and 3% of the doctoral degrees awarded annually in California are from the CSU.
California colleges have a racially and ethnically diverse student population. There are 611,169 Caucasian, 152,525 Black/African American, 385,630 Asian, and 1,115,155 Hispanic students in California colleges. Additionally, 719,625 students are enrolled exclusively in online courses, and 775,254 students are enrolled in some online courses or degree programs.
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New York and Texas have over 1 million students enrolled
The United States has witnessed a decline in post-secondary education enrollment since 2010, with 45 out of 50 states experiencing a decrease in student numbers. While the number of students enrolling in college immediately after high school graduation has also declined, there is an increasing trend of students traveling out of their home states to pursue higher education. This mobility is reflected in the enrollment numbers in different states.
California leads the nation with the highest number of enrolled college students, totaling 2.487 million, which represents a significant 97.8% increase compared to 1970. Notably, New York and Texas are the only other states that join California in having more than one million college students enrolled. This places these two states in a unique category of their own when it comes to student population size.
New York and Texas offer a wide range of higher education options, attracting students from within and outside their borders. While New York is known for its prestigious institutions such as Ivy League universities and prominent colleges, Texas boasts a diverse array of large public universities and community colleges. The appeal of these states to students is evident in the numbers, setting them apart from the majority of other states in the country.
The large student populations in New York and Texas contribute significantly to the overall educational landscape of the United States. With their high enrollment numbers, these states play a crucial role in shaping the future of their respective regions and the nation as a whole. The educational opportunities and outcomes in these states have a ripple effect on various aspects of society, influencing economic development, cultural exchange, and social mobility.
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Alaska has the smallest student population
The University of Alaska System is a group of three separately accredited universities on 19 campuses. The system serves nearly 30,000 full- and part-time students, with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) being the largest, enrolling approximately 15,000 students across its campuses. UAA is also the largest university in the state by enrollment, with around two-thirds of University of Alaska students attending. The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is the smallest by enrollment, with its Juneau Campus being the largest of its three campuses. The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is the flagship institution of the University of Alaska system.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution founded in 1954. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,267 as of Fall 2023, and its campus size is 1,702 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar, and its in-state tuition and fees are $8,576, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $25,556.
The University of Alaska System faces a 41% budget cut, which will likely have a devastating impact on education, science, and society. The system already receives the second-smallest grant in the country under the Morrill Act, reflecting Alaska's small population.
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45 states have seen a decline in post-secondary enrollment since 2010
As of 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. California has the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, a 97.8% increase relative to 1970. New York and Texas are the only other states with over a million college students enrolled. Alaska has the smallest student population, with 22,152 students enrolled, a 112.7% increase relative to 1970. Wyoming, Montana, and Vermont all have fewer than 50,000 enrolled college students.
However, 45 states have seen a decline in post-secondary enrollment since 2010. Iowa and Alaska saw the largest declines, losing 47% and 42.1% of their student populations, respectively. Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, and Missouri have also experienced notable decreases ranging from 6.2% to 25%. Several factors may contribute to the decline in post-secondary enrollment, including the cost of college, the impact of the pandemic, and changing preferences for higher education.
The cost of college, including tuition, room, and board, is a significant consideration for students and their parents. The overall expense can be substantial, with annual costs at some colleges totaling nearly $78,000. As a result, some individuals may choose to forego higher education or postpone college attendance to build savings. Additionally, public school enrollment has been declining since 2020, affecting the number of students transitioning to college. The pandemic's impact on education led to a rise in chronic absenteeism, and school funding cuts may have contributed to the decline in post-secondary enrollment.
On the other hand, New Hampshire, Utah, Idaho, Delaware, Texas, and the District of Columbia have seen increases in enrollment since 2010. New Hampshire and Utah, in particular, experienced significant year-over-year student population growth at 8.1% and 2.87%, respectively. Despite the overall decline in 45 states, certain regions have bucked the trend and attracted a growing number of students.
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Arizona State University enrolled the most students out of 20 colleges
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 65,174 as of Fall 2023, making it the largest university in Arizona by student population. Its campus size is 2,030 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 400 undergraduate degrees and over 450 graduate degrees across a dozen colleges and schools.
ASU's large student body is indicative of a broader trend in American higher education. While the number of colleges in the US has been declining since the 2012-2013 school year, the country still boasts nearly 4,000 colleges and universities. This abundance of options attracts students from across the nation and the globe, with California, New York, and Texas hosting over a million college students each.
ASU exemplifies this diversity, fostering an academically excellent community where students learn alongside peers and professors from across the world. The university's interdisciplinary approach to instruction empowers students to become master learners, capable of succeeding in a dynamic global environment.
ASU's commitment to accessibility and excellence has contributed to its prominent position in American higher education. With its large enrollment, diverse community, and extensive academic offerings, ASU exemplifies the draw of US colleges and universities, both domestically and internationally.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2024, there were 19.625 million students enrolled in US postsecondary institutions. California had the highest number of enrolled college students at 2.487 million, followed by New York and Texas, which are the only other states with over a million college students enrolled.
Postsecondary enrollment peaked in 2010 at 21.02 million. 45 states have seen a decline in postsecondary enrollment since 2010. In 2021, US News included 1,452 schools in its rankings, indicating that the number of colleges in the US is declining.
In 2024, 43.8% of American females aged 18 to 24 were enrolled in college or graduate school. 58.5% of bachelor's degrees were conferred to females.
In 2024, 34.2% of American males aged 18 to 24 were enrolled in college or graduate school.
In the 2020-2021 academic year, 1,057,188 international students enrolled in US postsecondary institutions. 70.77% of these students were from Asia.
