College Enrollment Increases, Led by Spike in Trades Programs: Report
Enrollment in community college certificate programs jumped 12.1 percent this spring, while international graduate enrollment fell sharply.
College Enrollment Increases, Led by Spike in Trades Programs: Report Overall postsecondary enrollment increased by 1 percent this spring, with undergraduate enrollment rising slightly. However, there was a notable surge of 12.1 percent in undergraduate certificate programs at community colleges. Community colleges also recorded the largest enrollment gains for both full-time and part-time students.
- Total postsecondary enrollment rose 1 percent in Spring 2026 to over 18.6 million students.
- Undergraduate enrollment increased by 1.3 percent to 15.5 million students.
- Enrollment in undergraduate certificate programs at community colleges spiked by 12.1 percent, reaching 767,662 students.
- Community colleges saw the largest enrollment gains for full-time (2.6 percent) and part-time (3.3 percent) students.
- Community college students represent nearly 32 percent of total postsecondary enrollment.
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