More Students are Going to College: Spring 2025 Stats

I like to share any current statistics, since much of the data about the high school class of 2025 will not be revealed until August. 

Despite financial losses and continued economic volatility, Americans still believe that investing in a college education is worth it.

But money matters. I’ve written several times about families opting for more reasonably-priced public universities over expensive private institutions that give little or no non-need based merit aid. We also see an increased interest in international options, with Canada, the UK, and Ireland the top college destinations. Why? As many students and families approach college vocationally (beginning college with the specific intention of getting a job in a particular field), the European model of choosing a major and earning a degree in 3 years instead of 4 is increasingly attractive. We know that international students comprise roughly 6% of students at US colleges, and there is significant data on how many US students study abroad while enrolled in a US-based college, but statistics are unclear on the percentage of Americans pursuing their entire college education abroad. (Please let me know if you discover any reliable stats).

Here are the statistics on US college enrollment for Spring 2025.

• Total postsecondary enrollment is up 3.2 percent this spring (+562,000), compared to spring 2024. Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.5 percent, reaching 15.3 million but remains below pre-pandemic levels (-2.4%, -378,000). Graduate enrollment also increased 1.5 percent, now 7.2 percent (+209,000) higher than in 2020.

• Undergraduate enrollment increased across major institutional sectors, with community colleges (Public two-year and Public PABs-those offering one BA/BS degree and mostly Associates degrees)) seeing the largest growth (+5.4%, +288,000).

• Enrollment increased for all undergraduate credential types. Bachelor’s and associate programs grew by 2.1 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, but remain below spring 2020 levels. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment continued to grow this spring (+4.8%) and is now 20 percent above 2020.

Why Smart Students Are Finding Their Dream Schools in Unexpected Places

The public flagships that families once counted on as reliable options—Michigan, UMD, Georgia, Florida—have become nearly as selective as Ivy and Ivy overlaps for out-of-state students. But this shift isn't limiting opportunities; it's asking us to think more broadly.

During my recent National IECA Conference, I explored this evolving landscape. What became clear is that the "name brand" obsession that drives so much anxiety is increasingly disconnected from educational reality.

As Jeff Selingo writes in his insightful new book "Dream College," elite education is readily available at public universities—and not only at the handful of flagships dominating headlines. The real opportunity lies in looking beyond the usual suspects.

Schools like University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh, and Indiana University offer world-class academics, vibrant campus communities, and robust alumni networks without the crushing selectivity of their flagship counterparts. Michigan State provides many of the same advantages as Michigan but admits a far higher percentage of qualified applicants (and offers a top Honors College). The University of Iowa offers outstanding writing and health programs alongside generous merit scholarships that can make an out-of-state education surprisingly affordable.

As I visited seven midwest campuses, I encountered passionate administrators and professors, cutting-edge facilities, and happy, thriving students. The common thread wasn't selectivity or rankings; it was fit.

For families navigating this complex landscape, the key is reframing what "dream school" really means. Is it a bumper sticker, or is it where your student will find the specific programs, opportunities, and community that will help them flourish?

The most successful students I've counseled have approached the process with open minds, looking for institutions where they can stand out rather than just fit in. They've discovered that attending a university where they can access honors programs, research opportunities, and close faculty relationships often leads to better outcomes than fighting for attention at more selective institutions.

The college journey isn't about chasing prestige—it's about finding the environment where your unique talents can fully bloom. And fortunately, at our public universities, those environments are more abundant than many families realize.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

IECA Annual Conference-Mainly (but not only) About Money

I learned a lot at IECA Annual Conference last week—and much that I already knew was emphasized. After hearing from college admissions reps, administrators, vendors of educational programs/supports, and many of my colleagues, there was one constant, for better or worse—the topic of money. 

I attended a session about incorporating career readiness into college planning as early as 8th grade. While I already educate students about careers and majors, I don’t want to limit their options too severely and too soon. I agreed with the presenter when she stressed that the human communication skills we used to call “soft” are the ones that will not be replaced by AI. Along with STEM skills, students should definitely develop those!

Jeff Selingo, a keynote speaker and author of “Who Gets In and Why,” promoted his new book “Dream School-Finding the College That’s Right For You.” It makes a compelling case for the value of getting an elite education at public institutions. I’ve been writing that many of my families are choosing these colleges over pricey privates. The notion that prestigious education requires a six-figure price tag is becoming questioned and outdated. Many public universities offer experiences that rival or surpass their private counterparts. After all, we know it’s the students who drive their success. 

I listen to Selingo’s “Next” podcast and follow his newsletter. However, the pervasive notion of a “dream school” manufactures stress for students and parents alike, so the title is a trigger for me and many of my colleagues. In his talk, Selingo used the phrase, “redefining the dream school.” Those words more accurately embody his message.

Once the conference ended, I was off to visit Midwest campuses, mostly relatively well-priced publics: Michigan State, the University of Michigan, Notre Dame University, Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and Indiana University–six colleges, three states, two time zones. I have a lot to say about them all and will share my thoughts and photos!