College enrollment is falling at a ‘concerning’ rate, new data reveals

Fewer 18-year-olds are enrolling, especially at four-year schools. But the number of applications continues to grow

College enrollment is dropping at a concerning" rate, according to new data.

Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows enrollment of 18-year-old freshmen has dropped by 5% this fall semester. The data reflects enrollments reported for 1.4 million 18-year-old freshmen as of 31 October 2024.