Preliminary Fall 2024 enrollment data from colleges and universities across the United States indicates a 5% decrease from 2023 in the number of first-year students enrolled, according to a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report. The study found the dropoff more drastic for public 4-year universities (-8.6%) than for public 2-year institutions (-3.1%).
The findings indicate continued growth among older first-year students, while freshman enrollment of 18-year-olds straight out of high school has dropped significantly. From Fall 2022 to Fall 2024, freshman enrollment by people over 30 grew by 29.1%. For those who are 18, enrollment decreased by 3%. Among 19-20 year-olds, there was an 8.6% drop off.
The study showed significant growth (+15.4%) in the rates of students attending public, 2-year colleges part-time between 2022 and 2024. Part-time enrollment in public 4-year universities also grew at a rate of 5.4%.
Between 2022 and 2024, the number of students seeking a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences grew faster than for any other academic discipline, at 14%. Liberal Arts majors saw the most drastic decrease, with 8% fewer enrollees during that time frame.
Among those in racialized categories, White students are the only group that saw a decrease in college enrollment (-2.8%) over the past two years. Hispanic (+9.5%), Black (+6.2%) and Asian (+7.1%) all saw modest gains.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center works with high schools and colleges to collect and disseminate data to help institutions of higher learning best serve their constituents. Their annual report measures multiple data sets, which, along with the study’s methodology, can be found here.
Senior Editor at Good Faith Media.